This week Bobbi Conner talks with Dr. Remberto Paulo about the symptoms, diagnosis and management of type 1 diabetes in children. Dr. Paulo is a pediatric endocrinologist and Interim Director of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at MUSC Children’s Health.
TRANSCRIPT:
Conner: I'm Bobbi Conner for South Carolina Public Radio with Health Focus here at the radio studio for the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions in children. Doctor Remberto Paulo is here to talk about the details. Doctor Paulo is a pediatric endocrinologist, and he's Interim Director of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at MUSC Children's Health. Doctor Paulo, tell us about type 1 diabetes, specifically in children.
Dr. Paulo: Type 1 diabetes is a disease where the body's immune system, which normally fights off germs, accidentally attacks the insulin making cells in our pancreas. Now, insulin is super important because it helps move sugar from the food into our cells to give us energy. And without insulin, the sugar stays in the blood, which can make kids feel really sick.
Conner: What causes diabetes in children.
Dr. Paulo: Type 1 diabetes happens when our own antibodies attack our pancreas, which in turn prevents the pancreas from producing insulin. Scientists don't know yet how the antibodies get triggered, but we do know that kids with a family history of type 1 diabetes or certain genes are more likely to get it. It is not caused by eating too much sugar, by the way. Some doctors believe that things in the environment, like certain viruses, may also play a role in triggering the disease.
Conner: What are the typical symptoms and at what age might type 1 diabetes develop in childhood?
Dr. Paulo: If a child has type 1 diabetes, they might feel really thirsty all the time. They go to the bathroom a lot, even at night. They lose weight without trying. They feel very tired. They'll complain of blurry vision. It can happen at any age, but typically around puberty, 11 to 14 years old.
Conner: And how is type 1 diabetes diagnosed in children.
Dr. Paulo: So, we do blood tests to check sugar levels. If the sugar is too high, we may do more tests to see if the body has antibodies that attack the insulin making cells in the pancreas. And catching diabetes early is very important because if it's not treated, it can lead to dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis, which can make kids very, very sick.
Conner: What are the key points as far as managing type 1 diabetes, so that children with this condition can live a full, active life?
Dr. Paulo: So, there are four things that our patients with diabetes must do to stay healthy. One, check blood sugars regularly. And number two, follow the meal plan agreed upon with their diabetes doctor and with their dietician. Number three, adjust the amount of insulin you're giving based on patterns in your blood sugar. And number four, stay active. Do something you enjoy. Walking the dog after eating. Doing sports activity. Going to the gym. Going for walks with your family.
Conner: Any advice you have for parents and children who have diabetes?
Dr. Paulo: My biggest advice is to learn as much as you can about diabetes, particularly after you receive the diagnosis. The second advice I have is use technology like the continuous glucose monitor and insulin pumps to make your life easier. And my third advice is have a support team, your doctors, the teachers, friends and family. Lean on them. And my last advice is stay positive. With the right care, kids with type 1 diabetes can live long, happy lives.
Conner: Doctor Paulo, thanks for this information about type 1 diabetes in children.
Dr. Paulo: You're welcome.
Conner: From the radio studio for the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, I'm Bobbi Conner for South Carolina Public Radio.
Health Focus transcripts are intended to accurately represent the original audio version of the program; however, some discrepancies or inaccuracies may exist. The audio format serves as the official record of Health Focus programming.
