Examine reveals diabetes on the rise in kids put up COVID

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GREENVILLE, SC (WSPA) – A new study shows type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children on the rise with COVID.

The world of diabetes can be confusing and sometimes overwhelming for patients and families. WSPA has learned from conversations with doctors and parents that there is hope no matter what kind you are dealing with.

A recent study found that new cases of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents are on the rise.

“From 2019 to 2020, we recorded a 64 percent increase in the number of patients with new onset diabetes of all types. I will tell you that our type 1 patients have also increased dramatically, ”said Dr. Elaine Apperson, director of pediatric endocrinology at Prisma Health.

Dr. Elaine Apperson works with pediatric diabetics and their families and says the trend towards more cases is worrying.

In type 1, the body does not produce insulin; You need to take insulin every day to stay alive.

Type 2 diabetes sometimes develops due to eating habits and little exercise; Doctors say some cases are directly related to the Covid shutdown. Dr. Apperson explains this using the example of a car.

“Before it runs out of gas, there are things you can do like take the load off the car, unload the car, get healthier, eat less, lose weight, play sports, but sometimes this car runs out of gas and then guy- 2 diabetes requires insulin for therapy, ”said Dr. App person.

Jennifer Figueroa helps her healthy 4 year old cope with his Type 1, who was born through no fault of his own, his body just doesn’t produce insulin.

Asher wears two devices on his body – one measures blood sugar and the other holds insulin, so mom and dad have a lot of questions to answer.

“And so we explained to him that his whole body was working really well, his eyes were working well, his ears were working well, his mouth was working well, we named all the parts of the body that work well, except this little part called the pancreas, it is doesn’t work, so we have to do it. The child has type 1 diabetes, ”said Jennifer Fiqueroa.

Figueroa says it is important for caregivers not to do this alone.

“I would say that you are definitely on board with your spouse or family member or close friend who can assist you so that you don’t bear the full burden. At least find one more person to share that burden with. ” said Figueroa.

Although there is no cure for diabetes, doctors say it is manageable, doctors are promoting better eating habits and exercise to combat type 2 diabetes, while research is still ongoing to find the cause of type 1.