Mahkatop
Mahkatop — A total of 75 out of 100 people, both children and adults, are unaware that they have diabetes. This was stated by Pediatrician and Chairman of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI), Dr. Piprim Basarah Yanuarso Sp.A(K), on Sunday (21/7/2024).
“It is very important for parents to recognize diabetes symptoms in children by understanding the diabetes triad: polydipsia (frequent drinking), polyuria (frequent urination), and polyphagia (frequent hunger). The symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are actually the same; children drink frequently, urinate frequently, and are always hungry. Parents should be alert if their child drinks a lot, urinates a lot, and is always hungry, especially if they crave sweet drinks. These are symptoms of diabetes,” said Piprim.
Piprim emphasized that a lack of education about diabetes in children leads to many children seeking treatment only when the disease has progressed to an advanced stage or even coma. By understanding early symptoms, parents can promptly seek medical attention for their children. Proper screening is crucial for providing appropriate medication for the child’s medical condition. Examinations usually involve checking C-peptide levels to assess insulin production.
“If a child has type 1 diabetes, C-peptide levels will be negative, indicating the need for insulin injections. However, for children with type 2 diabetes, C-peptide levels will be positive, indicating a need for lifestyle changes to be healthier,” explained Piprim.
Piprim also added that type 1 diabetes in children is most commonly diagnosed after the age of 10 or during school age. Early detection can be achieved through medical check-ups, including blood sugar tests, which are still rarely performed. Medical check-ups are also important to monitor various suspected diseases if parents notice unusual symptoms in their children.
According to Piprim, certain conditions that warrant a medical check-up in children include being very thin, shorter than their peers, or showing different activity levels such as frequent shortness of breath and decreased activity. “If parents want to conduct laboratory tests, it is advisable to consult a doctor first to ensure a more targeted and cost-effective approach,” said Piprim.
However, if a child does not exhibit any unusual symptoms, growth and development can be monitored independently through the KIA book or the Primaku application from IDAI. As long as the child’s development aligns with the established milestones, routine medical check-ups are not highly recommended.
By understanding and monitoring early diabetes symptoms, parents can help their children receive appropriate medical care and avoid serious complications. (*)
