The number of children with diabetes in Jakarta has increased to 1600 in January 2023. Most reports came from Jakarta and Surabaya, with an average age of 10 to 14 years. Data from IDAI (Indonesian Pediatric Association), in 2023, the incidence has increased 70 times since 2010.
As parents, we'd probably consider that diabetes only affects adults. Still, the increasing number of children with obesity has led to more cases of type 2 diabetes in younger people. Diabetes is the primary metabolic disease in children that is chronic in nature and can potentially interfere with children's growth and development.

TYPES OF DIABETES
In children, the 2 most common types of diabetes are known,

  • type-1 diabetes with low insulin levels due to damage to pancreatic beta cells; so the body no longer produces an important hormone (insulin)
  • type-2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, even though insulin levels in the blood are normal. 

The main causative factors of type-1 diabetes are genetic and autoimmune. In contrast, type-2 diabetes is usually caused by an unhealthy lifestyle and obesity.
A typical clinical symptom of diabetes is that the child:

  • eats a lot
  • increased thirst
  • urinates frequently
  • unintentional weight loss
  • weakness
  • bedwetting
  • fungal infections
  • wounds that are difficult to heal

WHAT TO DO IF MY CHILD GETS DIABETES?
Children with diabetes should seek a paediatrician or paediatric endocrinologist. Undiagnosed, the disease can cause severe damage. Diabetes screening is recommended for children who have started puberty or are at least 10 years old, who are overweight or obese, and who have at least one other risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES

  • Insulin
  • Regulate diet
  • Blood sugar monitor
  • Sport activity
  • Education 

CAN IT BE DANGEROUS?
If the blood sugar level is uncontrolled, children with diabetes can fall into a "Diabetes Emergency". In addition, children usually come with complaints such as abdominal pain, shortness of breath, recurrent vomiting, dehydration, and even loss of consciousness. Parents should go to the emergency department if these conditions appear as soon as possible. 

HOW TO PREVENT DIABETES?
There's currently no sure way to prevent type 1 diabetes. But for type 2 diabetes, we could suggest to:

  • Adjust sugar consumption according to recommendations
  • Healthy food while the child is at school
  • Don't let the child get fat. For obese children, consult their nutritional status with a paediatrician.

CAN DIABETES BE CURED?
There's no cure for type 1 diabetes in children, but it can be managed. Advances in blood sugar monitoring and insulin delivery have improved blood sugar management and quality of life for children with type 1 diabetes.
As more people understand diabetes in children, it is hoped that parents, teachers, and the community's awareness of diabetes will increase so that this disease can be treated quickly and precisely. In the end, children can grow and develop well like other healthy children.