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SINGAPORE - Like many diabetics, Ms Wong Wai Shi, who has Type 2 diabetes, has to take medication twice daily to control her blood sugar levels. Unlike most of them, however, Wai Shi is only in her teens. Three years ago, Wai Shi was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. She was 15, and did not know in detail what the condition was.
"I was very scared. I didn't dare to eat properly for a few days," said the ITE student, recounting her initial reaction upon learning that she had diabetes. "My parents were very upset when they found out. They thought only adults get it."
Type 2 diabetes was once associated with grown-ups, but not anymore.
According to doctors TODAY spoke to, this form of diabetes, which is often linked to obesity, is becoming increasingly common among kids and teenagers in Singapore.
Traditionally, the young ones were much more likely to have Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the child's immune system attacks and destroys the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin. Kids get it, too
Two decades ago, Type 2 diabetes formed only five to 10 per cent of childhood diabetes. Today, that number has increased to more than 30 per cent, said paediatric endocrinologist Associate Professor Lee Yung Seng, senior consultant at National University Hospital's University Children's Medical Institute. KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) has seen a similar trend of where the number of children with newly-diagnosed Type 2 diabetes is rising.
In 2004, there were only 10 newly-diagnosed cases. By last year, the number had tripled to 30. Presently, KKH sees 136 Type 2 diabetic children.
Assoc Prof Lee put it down to an increasingly sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits. Genes can also up a child's risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
He added that if the mother had diabetes during her pregnancy, the child also faces a higher risk of developing the disease during childhood.
Children undergoing puberty are the most vulnerable because hormonal changes can cause them to be more insulin resistant, explained Associate Professor Fabian Yap, senior consultant and head of endocrinology service, department of paediatrics at KKH.
However, the disease can also hit those who are younger.
At KKH, the youngest patient was only six years old when he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, noted Assoc Prof Yap.
Warning signs of Type 2 diabetes include persistent thirst, frequent urination and ants being attracted to the urine.
However, like adults sufferers, the symptoms for diabetic children aren't always obvious.
For Wai Shi, her condition only came to light after she visited her family doctor, who urged her to get blood sugar levels checked.
Coming to terms with the illness
Psychologically, living with the lifelong condition can be tough for young diabetics.
Said Assoc Prof Yap: "It disrupts their lives and imposes lifestyle changes that they are usually not mentally prepared to make or emotionally ready to accept."
Having to turn around their lifestyles and diet can be especially difficult for diabetics in this age group.
"I really love desserts and fried food. It was hard for me to cut down on carbs and sweets," said Wai Shi. Although she is aware of the risks, Wai Shi let on that she would still occasionally "break the rule and just eat" her favourite snacks, especially during celebrations or family gatherings.
"Teenagers, especially, undergo a lot of changes both physically, emotionally and within their social circle. They may have more risk-taking behaviour and may omit insulin injections, medications or forgo their dietary control," said Assoc Prof Lee.
Long-term poor sugar control can be catastrophic for diabetics.
According to the experts, diabetic children are at risk of diabetes-related complications such as nerve problems, renal failure, eye disease and heart disease, if not worse.
"Having diabetes in their childhood or teens means they are more likely to develop these chronic complications in young adulthood, which is the prime of their life. The impact on their lives and the associated healthcare burden is expected to be severe," said Assoc Prof Lee.
Living with diabetes can be challenging, but medication, good dietary control, exercise and weight loss can help. For more serious cases, insulin injections may also be required.
Assoc Prof Yap said in some instances, mild cases of glucose intolerance can be reversed by managing weight and increasing physical activity, without medication.
"Those who choose to adopt lifestyles to reduce excess body weight and improve muscle strength and activity ought to be able to reverse glucose intolerance," he said.
Worried that she might be ostracised from her friends, Wai Shi recounted how she had initially kept her condition from them. She has now come to terms with her illness.
"I sometimes worry about other complications of my illness. It was also tough for me to control my diet but I've gotten over that. Right now, I am happy I feel normal and can still do what other people do," she said.
- TODAY/rl
From ChannelNewsAsia.com; source article is below:Young and diabetic -----
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