Finding hope and help for kids with type 1 diabetes

It’s believed that type 1 diabetes (diabetes mellitus) has been around for thousands of years – as far back as the ancient Egyptians. Today, it affects about 2 million people in the United States and is usually diagnosed in childhood. According to SSM Health pediatrician, Dr. Celia Bangert, ”Peak of onset is around age 4-6 years old with another peak just before puberty.” In all, more than 18,000 children and teens are diagnosed each year, requiring lifestyle adjustments and a lifetime of ongoing medication management.

What is diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that affects the ability of the pancreas to produce insulin, a hormone that regulates the level of sugar in the blood. Without insulin, the blood retains too much sugar, causing serious health problems.

Although no exact cause of type 1 diabetes has been found, it is known that those with a family history of the disease are at a higher risk. Still about 90% of those who develop diabetes have no family history. Scientists believe that a virus or toxin may be a trigger for the autoimmune response.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for type 1 diabetes, but treatments have progressed to allow those with diabetes to live long, healthy lives, and new, transformative therapies have recently been introduced on a small scale.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms

As insulin production slows to a halt, symptoms may come on within days or weeks. Initial symptoms include an excessive thirst that can’t be quenched and increased urination, resulting in bedwetting for some children.

You may also notice an increase in your child’s appetite, but instead of gaining weight, they may actually begin losing weight. In addition, your child may feel unusually tired or weak, and experience blurred vision.

If your child starts showing any of these symptoms for multiple days, it’s a good time to see the doctor. Dr. Bangert says, “A child who may be experiencing symptoms would first get a urinalysis and point-of-care glucose. If those results are concerning the child is sent to the ER for further evaluation, and typically they are admitted for the initiation of insulin.”

Early signs of type 1 diabetes

Excessive thirst

Increase in appatite

Blurry vision

Getting (and keeping) diabetes under control

Type 1 diabetes requires careful dietary planning, blood sugar monitoring, and daily doses of insulin to remain healthy. Luckily current technologies and treatment advancements now provide options that can simplify the daily regimen for children and families.

“I think the most exciting advancement in diabetic care has come in the form of technology,” says Dr. Bangert. “Instead of doing multiple finger sticks per day to check blood glucose there are ever-improving constant glucose monitors that can communicate with an app on the parent’s phone. The apps help parents track sugars while the child is sleeping, exercising, or physically separated from them which provides much peace of mind.”

The development of the insulin pump has been one of the most dramatic breakthroughs of the last few decades. These are small external devices that provide insulin through a small tube and needle (or directly through the skin) as the person needs it, replacing multiple injections each day. However, pumps do require special training for proper use, and may not be appropriate for all children.

More than simply making life easier, these technologies can also make life healthier by helping to eliminate the highs and lows in blood sugar levels that contribute to many of the long-term illnesses associated with diabetes.

What about a cure?

And although an actual cure has yet to be found, recent advances using stem cell therapy to replace the missing insulin-producing cells have shown great promise. Currently only recommended for those unable to control blood sugar levels with traditional treatments, these techniques can reduce or eliminate the need for daily insulin. Additional variations of those treatments are expected within the next several years, and will hopefully be a game-changer for all those with type 1 diabetes.

Your partner in diabetes care

As a disease that requires extensive education, monitoring, and diligence to manage, SSM Health is committed to providing holistic care designed especially for young patients and their families.

According to Dr. Bangert, “The specifics of diabetic care are managed by pediatric endocrinologists while the primary care pediatrician helps coordinate the many aspects of their care. At SSM Health, children receive the benefit of closely coordinated care with the excellent physicians in the pediatric endocrinology department of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon.

“We have direct access to the endocrine/diabetes team for immediate concerns, and can quickly and easily access their notes and test results after outpatient visits. With a good team in place, children with type 1 diabetes can continue to lead healthy and active lives.”

Dr. Celia Bangert is an SSM Health pediatrician providing comprehensive primary care services for infants, children, and adolescents through age 18. She is welcoming new patients and appointments can be scheduled online.

Learn more about SSM Health Cardinal Glennon.