Type 1 diabetes among children increases in Mysuru | Mysuru News

Mysuru: The incidence of type 1 diabetes among children is steadily increasing, though the exact causes remain unclear, medical experts said. At Cheluvamba Hospital, around 230 children aged between 2 and 18 are currently registered and undergoing treatment for type 1 diabetes. All of them require insulin injections three times a day.Dr Nagendra, associate professor in the department of paediatrics at Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMCRI) and in charge of the Pediatric Diabetic Clinic at Cheluvamba Hospital, said the disease often goes undetected in children for a long period. “Early symptoms are difficult to notice in children. Many parents approach us only when the child fails to gain weight or develops serious complications,” he said.He added that in several cases, children are brought to the hospital in critical condition and require ICU care. “They have breathing difficulties, vomiting, abdominal pain, severe weight loss, and only after the test, high blood sugar levels will be found,” Dr Nagendra said.According to him, 40 new children have been registered this year, compared to 30 cases last year, indicating a rising trend. Referring to the ICMR 2022 report, Dr Nagendra said India has about 95,600 children below the age of 14 living with type 1 diabetes, with nearly 15,900 new cases added every year. He clarified that the exact cause of the disease is still unknown and that most affected children do not have a family history of diabetes or identifiable risk factors. “Research is going on to understand the reasons behind the condition,” the doctor added.“With proper treatment, discipline, and regular monitoring, children can lead normal lives. Many of our patients have pursued engineering and higher education and are doing well,” he said.Dr Pradeep N, head of the department of paediatrics, MMCRI, said Cheluvamba Hospital functions as a tertiary referral centre for four districts.