What is Type 1 Diabetes and What Causes It?
Type 1 diabetes is a common chronic disease, especially in childhood. It is seen in 7 out of every 10,000 children in Turkey. Although the exact cause is unknown, genetic predisposition and some viral infections are thought to be triggers. The increase in type 1 diabetes cases, especially during the COVID-19 period, supports this theory. Lifelong insulin treatment, healthy diet and regular exercise are of great importance in the management of type 1 diabetes; if the treatment is not followed, it can lead to permanent organ damage.
Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms
- Excessive Water Consumption: Children's desire to drink more water than usual.
- Frequent Urination: Increased frequency of urination.
- Feeling Hunger: Constant feeling of hunger, craving for food.
- Weight Loss: Unexpected weight loss in combination with a normally healthy diet.
- Fatigue: Constant feeling of fatigue and weakness.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting may occur in some children.
- Change in Mouth Odour: Particularly fruity or acetone odour.
- Vision Problems: Blurred vision or other vision problems.
Recommendations for Families with Type 1 Diabetes
A diagnosis of type 1 diabetes can come as a shock to families at first. Accepting that diabetes will last a lifetime is challenging. Parents take on new responsibilities such as insulin administration, carbohydrate counting and changing the child's eating habits. However, over time, adaptation to life with diabetes is achieved and confidence grows. For support, it may be helpful to contact families of other children with diabetes or seek guidance from paediatric endocrinology specialists. Diabetes management is a team effort in which the child and family must work together in harmony.
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