Diabetes

Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes

Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes will focus on the unique clinical challenges, psychosocial considerations, and treatment strategies involved in managing diabetes in children and teenagers. The incidence of diabetes—particularly Type 1 diabetes—in pediatric populations has been steadily increasing worldwide, and in recent years, Type 2 diabetes has also emerged as a growing concern among adolescents, primarily due to rising rates of childhood obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and poor dietary habits. Managing diabetes in youth requires a specialized, multidisciplinary approach that addresses not only physiological and medical needs but also the emotional, behavioral, and developmental aspects of growing up with a chronic condition.Type 1 diabetes (T1D) remains the most common form of diabetes in children and adolescents, caused by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells, leading to absolute insulin deficiency. The onset is often sudden and can present with symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and fatigue. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of insulin therapy are critical to preventing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and long-term complications.