There are two main types of diabetes that can affect children: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is the most common type in children, and type 2 diabetes often develops in older children or adults. Neither type of diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar.
Why do people think diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar?
People with diabetes can have high (or low) blood sugar, so it makes sense that people would assume that eating sugar is the cause of their blood sugar changes. Also, obesity is one risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes and a diet with high amounts of sugar, accompanied by things like genetic predisposition and an inactive lifestyle, can lead to obesity.
But, sugar intake alone does not cause diabetes. It’s important to note that you can eat a lot of sugar and not develop diabetes or eat little sugar and develop diabetes. In fact, most people with diabetes are not overweight.
What do we know about the causes of diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, and type 2 diabetes is a metabolic condition that results from a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Diabetes is not an issue with sugar itself, but rather with insulin. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that acts like a messenger in the body to convert the food we eat into the energy we need.
In children with diabetes, either the pancreas stops producing insulin as a result of the autoimmune process (type 1) or the insulin in the body isn’t able to work well due to genetic and other factors (type 2).
What are the concerns/risks about children with diabetes eating too much sugar?
Just like anyone else, children with diabetes should eat sugar in moderation. However, children with diabetes and their families need to consider how consuming foods will change their blood sugar and anticipate their medication needs.
Additionally, foods high in sugar can be used strategically for safety to maintain normal blood sugar levels in certain situations. If people with diabetes allow their blood sugar to remain elevated for a long time, they can experience complications related to eye, kidney, and heart health.
What are we still learning about the cause of diabetes?
We are still learning about why some people are at greater risk of developing diabetes even within the same family. We are learning about why the immune system targets the pancreas, why some environmental factors are triggers, and why diabetes develops at different ages.
The Diabetes Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is involved in a lot of the newest research on diabetes and breakthroughs in treatment. Early detection and treatment can reduce complications, so talk to your pediatrician if your child has any symptoms, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained weight loss.
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There are two main types of diabetes that can affect children: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is the most common type in children, and type 2 diabetes often develops in older children or adults. Neither type of diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar.
Why do people think diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar?
People with diabetes can have high (or low) blood sugar, so it makes sense that people would assume that eating sugar is the cause of their blood sugar changes. Also, obesity is one risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes and a diet with high amounts of sugar, accompanied by things like genetic predisposition and an inactive lifestyle, can lead to obesity.
But, sugar intake alone does not cause diabetes. It’s important to note that you can eat a lot of sugar and not develop diabetes or eat little sugar and develop diabetes. In fact, most people with diabetes are not overweight.
What do we know about the causes of diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, and type 2 diabetes is a metabolic condition that results from a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Diabetes is not an issue with sugar itself, but rather with insulin. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that acts like a messenger in the body to convert the food we eat into the energy we need.
In children with diabetes, either the pancreas stops producing insulin as a result of the autoimmune process (type 1) or the insulin in the body isn’t able to work well due to genetic and other factors (type 2).
What are the concerns/risks about children with diabetes eating too much sugar?
Just like anyone else, children with diabetes should eat sugar in moderation. However, children with diabetes and their families need to consider how consuming foods will change their blood sugar and anticipate their medication needs.
Additionally, foods high in sugar can be used strategically for safety to maintain normal blood sugar levels in certain situations. If people with diabetes allow their blood sugar to remain elevated for a long time, they can experience complications related to eye, kidney, and heart health.
What are we still learning about the cause of diabetes?
We are still learning about why some people are at greater risk of developing diabetes even within the same family. We are learning about why the immune system targets the pancreas, why some environmental factors are triggers, and why diabetes develops at different ages.
The Diabetes Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is involved in a lot of the newest research on diabetes and breakthroughs in treatment. Early detection and treatment can reduce complications, so talk to your pediatrician if your child has any symptoms, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained weight loss.
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