Taking Care of Diabetic Children

 Written by: Wahida Sabir

Diabetes is divided into two main groups, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is more common in children. In this case, the body is unable to regulate blood sugar because for some reasons the pancreas stops normally function. 

AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some people and a physician about the signs, symptoms and taking care of diabetes in children.

Freshta, a resident of Kapisa province says, “I am suffering diabetes. I feel dizzy and drink more water and feel weak and I have not taken medicines yet.”

Nabila, a resident of Laghman province says, “I am suffering from diabetes. My lips cracked and I am getting hungry soon and if my foot hurts, it does not heal easily.”

Doctor Naseema, a pediatrician at Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital in Kabul city says, “Diabetic patients get thirsty and hungry soon, and frequently go to the toilet.

 If the disease progresses, there is a risk of narrowing of the arteries of the body's essential organs such as the heart, kidneys and nervous system, which could cause heart and kidney disease, nerve problems and even poor eyesight.”

What do some diabetic patients think about the cause of this disease?

Freshta says, “My father, mother and aunts are suffering from diabetes and this issue caused me diabetes too.”

Abdul Wahab, a resident of Khost province says that he doesn’t know about the causes of diabetes in children.

Doctor Naseema talks about the causes of diabetes in children, “Insulin deficiency in children causes diabetes and external factors that cause insulin deficiency are heredity, the presence of some viruses in the body; some childhood diseases such as mumps, feeding with cow's milk during infancy and the use of electronic devices like mobile phones, games, etc. are contributing factors to insulin deficiency in children.”

How do some people treat  children with diabetes?

Nazdana, a resident of Nangarhar province says, “I am suffering from diabetes and I had been fainting at school. My father took me to the doctor and after taking medicines, I am better.”

 Kanishka, a resident of Kabul city says, “My child was sick. I took him to the doctor and he diagnosed him with diabetes and prescribed him insulin injections.

We pay attention to his medication, hygiene, and food and now his diabetes is controlled.”

Doctor Naseema says, “In general, kids with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin as prescribed. Eat a healthy, balanced diet with accurate carbohydrate counts; Check blood sugar levels as prescribed, and have regular physical activities.”