A Childhood Changed by Diabetes

Imagine being a child and suddenly unable to run freely with your friends on the playground or enjoy a simple meal without worry. For many young people living with diabetes, this is the reality they face every day. Diabetes is a chronic condition that prevents the body from properly regulating blood sugar, and without careful management, it can quickly become dangerous. From daily insulin injections and glucose checks to constant awareness of diet and activity, it's not just about recognizing a disease—it's about seeing the challenges it brings and the resilience it requires.

Understanding Diabetes

Types and Causes

Diabetes is generally divided into two main types: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 2 diabetes, which is more common in adults, often develops due to lifestyle factors such as obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise. It usually involves the body’s resistance to insulin. In contrast, Type 1 diabetes, also known as 소아당뇨 in Korean, is an autoimmune disease that typically develops in childhood or adolescence. In this condition, the body’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leaving the child unable to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar. Unlike Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 is not caused by lifestyle habits but rather by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers, such as viral infections that may set off the immune attack. Because the pancreas cannot recover when these cells are destroyed, children with Type 1 diabetes must rely on insulin therapy throughout their lives. This clear distinction between the two types of diabetes highlights why we need to have a proper understanding of juvenile diabetes.

Recognizing the Signs

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Children with type 1 diabetes often show clear symptoms before being diagnosed. Some of the most common signs include feeling extremely thirsty all the time, needing to urinate frequently (even at night), losing weight despite eating normally or more than usual, and experiencing fatigue or weakness. Some kids may also have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or even fruity-smelling breath, which can be a sign of a serious condition called Ketoacidosis. Parents and teachers often notice that the child seems more tired than usual or isn’t growing or gaining weight properly. To determine if a child has diabetes, doctors will first check their blood sugar using a simple finger-prick test or a blood draw. If the sugar level is high, they usually confirm it with other tests, like checking urine for ketones or an HbA1c test, which shows how high the blood sugar has been over the past few months. Sometimes, doctors may also test for certain antibodies to confirm it’s type 1 diabetes and not another type. Early diagnosis is crucial because, if left untreated, high blood sugar can quickly become life-threatening.

Managing Daily Life

Treatment and Daily Management

Although the two types of diabetes–type 1 and type 2– differ in causes and features, both types require nullifying the symptoms and preventing the progression. In the case of type 1 diabetes mellitus, insulin treatment is necessary to control blood glucose levels. As the incidence and prevalence of T1DM have steadily increased, the importance of accurate diagnosis and optimal management of T1DM is being recognized in clinical practice. By monitoring blood glucose levels regularly and adjusting insulin doses accordingly, children with Type 1 diabetes can manage their condition and prevent serious complications.

In a similar vein, in the case of type 2 diabetes, the primary goal of treatment should be to maintain the child’s blood sugar within a specific range, thereby helping to keep their blood sugar level as close to the standard range as possible. These type 2 diabetes treatment plans include healthy eating, physical activity, blood sugar monitoring, weight loss surgery, or ongoing medical care. 

Beyond the Physical

Emotional Stress and Anxiety

Daily management and the visibility of the condition influence relationships and social development. Peer relationships, one of the most influential factors in teenage life, will also be significantly affected. To manage diabetes, they have to check their glucose level or inject insulin in public continuously. A fear of stigma or teasing among peers can lead to social problems, particularly school-related challenges. Over time, these challenges may cause emotional stress and anxiety, as many teens feel pressured to hide their condition or avoid situations where their diabetes might be noticed.

Building a Supportive Environment

Encouraging open conversations, educating peers about Type 1 diabetes, and creating inclusive environments can help reduce stigma. With this kind of support system, children and teens are more likely to build confidence, maintain healthy relationships, and focus on living their lives beyond the condition.

Seeking Support

Living with Type 1 diabetes is not something anyone should have to manage alone. That's why support from family, friends, teachers, and healthcare professionals can make a big difference in reducing stress and building confidence. Talking openly about the condition helps break down stigma and reminds young people that they are wonderful as they are. Whether it’s joining a diabetes support group, reaching out to a school counselor, or simply leaning on a trusted friend, seeking support creates a stronger safety net and encourages healthier coping strategies.

Final Thoughts

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong journey, but it does not have to limit what children and teens can achieve. With proper treatment, emotional support, and greater community awareness, those living with the condition can thrive just like their peers. By focusing on both health and compassion, we can ensure that young people with Type 1 diabetes are empowered to live fully, confidently, and without fear.

A child receiving an insulin injection

Authors

• Eileen Koh

• Yena Kim

• Sia Yoo

• Stella Shin

References

• Mayo Clinic – Type 1 Diabetes: Symptoms and Causes

• NIDDK – Type 1 Diabetes Overview

• Mayo Clinic – Type 1 Diabetes in Children

• CDC – About Type 1 Diabetes

• Mayo Clinic – Type 2 Diabetes in Children: Diagnosis and Treatment

• Journal of the Korean Medical Association – Type 1 Diabetes Article