Pediatric Diabetes Treatment in Port St. Lucie, FL
Diabetes Specialty Services in Florida
At their most basic level, both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes result from the body’s difficulty converting food into fuel. The effects of either type of diabetes can extend throughout the body, causing damage to the nervous system, kidneys, heart, and even vision. Proper treatment by a diabetes specialist allows those with diabetes to live a safe and healthy life.
Pediatric care for T1D and T2D should include the intervention of an endocrinologist for diabetes. Children’s growing bodies require experts with specialized knowledge of pediatric diabetes.
The Difference Between Type 1, Type 2, and Pre-Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is the result of having a pancreas that doesn’t produce sufficient insulin. Without enough insulin, the body doesn’t use sugar effectively. Although T1D can develop at any age, those in the age ranges of 5-6 and 11-13 are most likely to develop the condition. Increased thirst, frequent urination, and losing weight despite increased appetite are all early signs of type 1 diabetes.
T2D was formerly known as adult-onset diabetes, but the number of children diagnosed with the condition is growing annually. A family history of diabetes type 2 or a mother who had gestational diabetes combined with childhood obesity increase the odds of developing T2D.
Before the onset of type 2 diabetes, a child may develop pre-diabetes. A child with pre-diabetes will have elevated blood glucose, although the levels are not high enough to be type 2 diabetes. Left untreated, the condition often develops into diabetes type 2 within a decade. Working with a specialist in children’s endocrinology can help kids reduce their blood glucose levels without medication.
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Diabetes and Endocrinology
Visiting an endocrinologist diabetes specialist can help children manage their condition for long-term health. Endocrinologists specialize in treating different types of hormonal conditions, which makes them uniquely qualified to deal with the management of both type 1 and 2 diabetes.
Treatment for these conditions can vary from weight loss and increased activity to closely managing the diet or taking medication. It’s important to work with someone who understands the challenges facing children with diabetes and who will help them manage the condition. While the prospect of a lifetime of injections or medication can be hard to accept for both parent and child, working with an endocrinologist can help you better understand the condition.
While insulin or medication may be necessary for many children with diabetes, others are able to manage the condition through weight loss, physical activity, a careful diet, and monitoring their blood sugar.
Outlook
As the parent of a child with diabetes, the idea of monitoring blood sugar and diet can seem overwhelming. The good news is, there is help available. Working with an endocrinologist who specializes in childhood cases of diabetes ensures you have access to a healthcare provider who understands the obstacles of working with younger patients.
If you’re looking for answers to your child’s health concerns, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
“Dr. (Palau) Collazo is very knowledgeable and easy to talk too. She exceeded our expectations for a pediatric endocrine specialist. Being a Type 1 diabetic myself since the age of 16, I really appreciated that she took the time to explain our child’s T1D diagnosis and give us a step by step treatment plan.”
