Explainer

The rise of diabetes in children and young people in the North West

When we think of diabetes, most of us think of our grandparents, or the older generation. We don’t think of children having it- but research conducted by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health tells a different story. Cases of diabetes in children and young people have risen in the North West by 11% since 2013. Alongside this, the percentage that are Type 2 cases have doubled in the same time. This makes for worrying reading at a time when Type 2 factors such as obesity are also on the rise.

Chris Askew, chief executive of Diabetes UK says it’s “a sad indictment of the health of our nation.” He went on to add:

Diabetes UK are also calling for the swift strengthening and development of NHS services for children with Type 2 diabetes and wants the government to double down on measures to tackle childhood obesity. Diabetes isn’t as simple as you may think. There are different types of diabetes and contrary to popular belief, it isn’t only caused being overweight. Type 1 for example is genetic and not linked to lifestyle, obesity, ethnicity or age. Type 2 however has the aforementioned risk factors.

Type 1 or Type 2?

The differences in the main types of diabetes

The two main types of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2. Both are as serious as each other, but are managed differently. The risk factors are not currently known for Type 1 but Type 2 has risk factors such as weight, age and ethnicity. Type 1 is managed solely by taking insulin to control blood sugar, whereas Type 2 can be managed in a number of ways including exercise, healthy eating and medication. Another way they differ is that although there is no cure for either at present, Type 2 can be put into remission with a healthy lifestyle and good diet.

How do I spot diabetes? Diabetes UK advises using ‘The 4 Ts’ to spot potential diabetes:

• Toilet - Going to the toilet a lot, bed wetting by a previously dry child or heavier nappies in babies • Thirsty - Being really thirsty and not being able to quench the thirst • Tired - Feeling more tired than usual • Thinner - Losing weight or looking thinner than usual They also stress the importance of quick diagnosis and early treatment to avoid any further complications down the line. If any of these symptoms are spotted, take your child to their GP for a simple finger prick test. It is also stressed that if left unmanaged, it could be fatal.

Technology Technology has come a long way when it comes to Type 1, with tools such as continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and insulin pumps becoming popular in recent years. Using these eliminates the need for daily finger pricking and insulin injections. Instead, the CGM will send real-time information to a mobile device, which can then be used to send an instruction to the pump in regards to how much insulin to pump in through a cannula.

An example of an insulin pump

This technology can be acquired through the NHS if you meet criteria, or can be bought privately but sometimes costs do mount up if done that way. More information on the requirements can be found here.

There are also a range of mobile apps available to count carbs. For more information on diabetes and how to reduce the risk factors for Type 2, click here or you can phone Diabetes UK on 0345 123 2399.

Information from the NHS is available here.