Diabetes occurs when certain cells in the pancreas do not produce enough insulin, a hormone involved in the process of proteins, fats and sugars necessary to store and produce energy. Type 1 diabetes, usually diagnosed in children and young adults, disrupts the body's immune system, which destroys cells that produce insulin, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The body has little or no insulin and children must take daily insulin to survive. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not respond properly to insulin. Treatment may include diet plans, exercise, medication and monitoring blood sugar levels with a glucose meter.
Short-Term Effects
Maintaining blood sugar levels avoids the short-term complications of diabetes, Lifeclinic.com explains. Children may suffer from low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, if they do not eat adequate amounts of food or take too much insulin. Increasing activity or exercise without adjusting the diet can lead to low blood sugar. Children who have sudden episodes of low blood sugar can relieve symptoms quickly by consuming foods and beverages that contain glucose or glucose tablets. High blood sugar, also called hyperglycemia, results from not taking enough insulin for the amount of food eaten. Stress or illness may also cause hyperglycemia. Prompt treatment helps avoid more serious complications, such as ketoacidosis, which can cause diabetic coma if left untreated.
Visual Considerations
Eye damage or blindness may develop from diabetic retinopathy. The condition occurs when blood vessels in the retina become damaged. Children with type 1 diabetes, have an increased risk of cataracts and glaucoma later on. Taking regular medication and monitoring blood sugar levels become important to children to avoid blindness in adulthood.
Damage Potential
Diabetic children have an increased risk of foot problems because of nerve damage or reduced blood flow, MayoClinic.com notes. They can develop serious infections if cuts or blisters are not treated promptly. Bacterial infections, fungal infections and itching may occur on the skin. Early treatment may avoid osteoporosis, a bone-degenerating disease, in adulthood. Diabetes can lower bone mineral density.
Blood Vessel Disorders
Damaged blood vessels threaten children with diabetes, according to MayoClinic.com. Excess sugar in the walls of blood vessels that feed nerves may cause tingling, numbness, burning or pain in the limbs, especially the legs. Symptoms may begin in the toes or fingers and loss of feeling can occur in the limbs. Blood vessels in the kidneys that filter waste can become damaged by diabetes. Kidney failure or irreversible kidney disease may result. The condition may require dialysis or a kidney transplant for the child to survive.
Cardiovascular Risks
Diabetes increases the risk for high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol for children later on. These complications significantly increase the chances of developing atherosclerosis, a narrowing of the arteries that lead to the heart and brain. Heart disease, angina or chest pain, heart attack and stroke may result, making early treatment of diabetes essential for children to avoid serious conditions in the future.
