Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by a chronic elevation of glucose (sugar) levels in the blood

Аннотация

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by a chronic elevation of glucose (sugar) levels in the blood. Among children, it mostly occurs in the form of Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent). However, in recent years, cases of Type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent) have also been increasing among children and adolescents. There are two types of diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) usually begins in childhood or adolescence. The immune system destroys the insulin- producing cells in the pancreas. Lifelong treatment with insulin is necessary. This type is considered the most common form of diabetes among children. Keywords: diabetes mellitus, insulin, physical inactivity, prevention, immunity, risk group, genetic predisposition, metabolic syndrome. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is currently being observed among children due to overweight, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition. It is usually seen in children over the age of 10. Genetic predisposition and obesity are considered the main risk factors. According to data from the World Health Organization, every year worldwide, 3 to 20 out of 100,000 children are newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is increasing among children in both developed and developing countries, especially among overweight adolescents. In our country, exact numbers are updated annually; however, in recent years, due to overweight, consumption of fast food, and lack of physical activity, the number of children with Type 2 diabetes is increasing. The number of children with Type 1 diabetes is also steadily growing. Patients with diabetes may exhibit the following symptoms: frequent urination, constant thirst, weight loss despite eating a lot, weakness, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow healing of wounds. Nowadays, to prevent the increasing prevalence of diabetes among children both worldwide and in our country, several measures need to be implemented. Promoting healthy eating habits — Limit the consumption of sweets, sugary drinks, and fatty, fast foods. Increase the intake of fruits, vegetables, 94 ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE International scientific-online conference whole grains, and proteins (such as beans, fish, and poultry). Provide education on healthy nutrition for students and educators. Organize school and kindergarten cafeterias based on healthy menu options. Encouraging physical activity — Ensure at least one hour of physical activity daily (for example, physical education classes, games, sports clubs). Limit the use of computers, televisions, or mobile devices to no more than 1–2 hours per day. Increase outdoor recreational activities. Preventing overweight and obesity — Regularly monitor children’s body weight. Use digital tracking tools or health monitoring programs. Measure blood sugar levels through preventive screenings, especially for children in risk groups (such as those with overweight or genetic predisposition).