At the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, patients with diabetes are supported from the moment they are diagnosed, with dedicated teams focused not just on medical treatment, but also patient and family education.
World Diabetes Day was observed last Thursday (14 November) with the theme “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps”.
The hospital sees around three to five newly diagnosed patients per month in its diabetes ward following referrals. After admission, young diabetes patients will receive follow-up appointments to visit the diabetes clinic at the hospital.
Most children present with type-1 diabetes, often in a critical condition.
Dr Michelle Carrihill, a paediatric endocrinologist and head of the diabetes and endocrinology department at the hospital, explained: “According to our registry, over the last six years, we have averaged around 50 new patients per year.
“However, this number can vary significantly, with as few as three or as many as 12 new cases in a single month. Our primary concern is that many young patients with diabetes arrive very sick, sometimes requiring ICU admission, which can be traumatic for both the children and their families.”
She stressed the importance of recognising the warning signs of diabetes in children and seeking urgent help from a clinic.
Common symptoms include sudden bedwetting or frequent urination; increased thirst; weight loss or not picking up weight; difficulty concentrating at school; vision problems; and vomiting.
“If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, please access your clinic for a test,” Carrihill said.
“If you can make a diagnosis before they become very sick, they will be much better off. Early detection is crucial in preventing severe illness. Our patients don’t need to be very sick when they’re in the ward. They can be newly diagnosed, and it allows for our team to provide education and counselling to the patient and their family.”
The hospital also provides care to children presenting with type 2 diabetes.
“Obesity is a concern in children and children can develop type 2 diabetes,” said Carrihill. “We are seeing more type 1 diabetic children presenting earlier because they’re overweight or obese and need more insulin, which their pancreas can’t produce. Some of our patients are as young as six or seven years old. About 10% of our patients present with type 2 diabetes. We are also seeing cases of ‘double diabetes’, where children have both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.”
One of the most important factors in reducing the risk of childhood diabetes, health experts agree, is early detection, treatment and education. “Type 1 diabetes is autoimmune with a genetic risk and is not preventable at this stage. It’s important to understand that it doesn’t happen because anyone did anything wrong,” Carrihill explained.
“Prevention begins in utero with healthy pregnant mothers. Antenatal care should include education on healthy eating, which continues with healthy feeding and breastfeeding after birth which can reduce the risk of diabetes. Families need to be educated on nutritious meals and the dangers of processed foods, starting in schools and extending beyond.”
Similarly, Tygerberg Hospital offers a comprehensive service to children and adults at its diabetes clinics.
Visit your local clinic if you have questions or concerns about your little ones.
