
What does glucose intolerance spell for children? What are the symptoms that come about due to this? In the following article we will try and study some of these factors and more of the same.
With changing lifestyles and an increase in stress levels, this has turned out to be just one of those many medical conditions which has affected children as well. One of the main factors that leads to glucose intolerance in children is traced back to obesity and lack of exercises. But before we get into the reasons and causes of the same, we need to first understand what glucose intolerance is and what it spells for a child who is diagnosed with the same. In the following sections, we will look into this factor in more detail and give you some ways of understanding the condition better.
What is Glucose Intolerance
When food is consumed, the food enters our body in its complex form (glucose). In order for the body to make use of this food (glucose), it needs for it to be converted to energy. In this direction, the pancreas produce a hormone called insulin which helps to break down the glucose and convert it into energy. Once the glucose is broken down, the raised glucose levels in the blood (which rise after food is consumed) are brought down to the normal levels. When there is glucose intolerance however, the glucose cannot be broken down due to some problems with the production or distribution of insulin, and therefore the glucose levels remain high in the body.
This condition is dangerous because it puts a child at high risk of getting type 2 diabetes. That is why it is also referred to as pre-diabetes and is even more dangerous in case of children.
Common Symptoms
The following are some of the symptoms that one needs to look out for when it comes to this condition. A knowledge of these will help one prepare for the onset of diabetes or any other severe condition:
- Tiredness and weakness (This is the earliest signs of this condition because the glucose has not been converted into energy and thereby the effects are almost immediate)
- Bloating
- Irregular bowel movements
- Heartburn
- Problems in digestion
- Low levels of concentration and instances of memory loss
- High levels of tension and stress
- Nervousness
- Sudden onset of hunger pangs that are very intense
- Unexplained and sudden weight loss or weight gain
- Feeling irritated and experiencing mood swings
- Constant and high intensity thirst.
- The need to visit the toilet for frequent urination
- Compromised vision quality
- Cramping and soreness of muscles
- Constant tingling of limbs and fingers
- The emergence of dark patches on the body
- The emergence of rashes that lead to itching and scratching
- Headaches and migraines.
- Onset of depression
- The emergence of fungal infections like Candida
- Skin ulcers
- Extremely dry and flaky skin
- Bed wetting
Treatment Forms
It has been seen that an overall change in the child’s lifestyle can help lower the chances of developing this condition and thereby prevent type 2 diabetes. This is the greatest risk that people who suffer from this condition, face. Here are some of the steps and factors that one can take into consideration when following a glucose intolerance treatment.
Change in Diet
A change in one’s diet to exclude fatty and sugary foods, especially those rich in carbohydrates and sugar is necessary. This is one of the most ideal glucose intolerance diets that one can follow.
Exercising
Exercises help to keep the blood circulation flowing perfectly and thereby allow for the oxygen to reach all the body parts well enough. This then has a direct effect on the perfect execution of all bodily functions and helps to maintain overall health.
Weight Loss
Obesity is one of the main dangers that can turn into diabetes from glucose intolerance and that is why it has to be seen that there is weight loss being carried out for the sake of obese children and get them risk free.
Medication
There are certain medication forms that can be used for the treatment of the same. But these have to be taken after proper consultation with the doctor.
Glucose intolerance in children is turning out to be a very common phenomenon. Since it is a high risk disease which can develop into more complicated conditions, there needs to be proper care taken. For this, one has to keep a look out for the onset of varied symptoms so that a test can be undertaken to determine whether there is in fact glucose intolerance in the child and if it is confirmed, the correct forms of treatment can be undertaken.
Disclaimer – This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.