PREDIABETES IN CHILDREN: A SILENT THREAT THAT REQUIRES EARLY DETECTION!

⚠️ Many people still believe that type 2 diabetes is a disease that only affects adults. However, current reality shows that the disease is increasingly appearing in children, especially those who are overweight or obese.

‼️ What is alarming is that diabetes in children usually progresses silently with almost no clear symptoms. By the time it is detected, many children have already begun to develop complications that long-term affect their health.

👩🏻‍⚕️ The following article, compiled by Dr. Lai Thi Bich Thuy - Pediatric Specialist, shares early warning signs and explains why screening for prediabetes in children is crucial to protect their health.

1️⃣ School-age obesity – the "fuse" sparking the rise of diabetes in children

▪️ In Vietnam, the "fuse" triggering this dangerous condition is school-age obesity. According to data from the National Institute of Nutrition, the rate of overweight and obese school-age children nationwide has surged rapidly by 2.2 times in just 10 years.

▪️ In major urban centers like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City alone, this rate is approaching that of developed countries. 4 to 5 out of every 10 students are overweight or obese.

2️⃣ Consequences of obesity

▶️ Clinical studies recorded at the National Children's Hospital show:

▪️ The onset age of type 2 diabetes in children today is very young, averaging only 11.5 years old.

▪️ Even more alarming, nearly half of the children (48.1%) are completely asymptomatic and are only diagnosed incidentally during check-ups for other illnesses.

🔺 Without timely detection and intervention, the disease will gradually progress, leading to severe early-onset consequences such as kidney failure, blindness, vascular damage, and stroke. To prevent this burden, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends a key strategy: Early screening for prediabetes.

3️⃣ What is prediabetes?

▶️ This is a condition where a child's blood sugar level is higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes. Prediabetes is identified when:

• HbA1c level (measuring average blood sugar over 3 months) ranges from 5.7% to 6.4%.

• Fasting blood glucose (after fasting for at least 8 hours) ranges from 100 to 125 mg/dL.

• 2-hour blood glucose level during an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test ranges from 140 to 199 mg/dL.

▶️ If prediabetes is detected early and managed well, we can reverse the trend and help prevent up to nearly 60% of the risk of developing full-blown diabetes.

4️⃣ Which children should be screened for prediabetes?

Children and adolescents (under 18 years old) should be considered for screening when they meet BOTH of the following conditions:

Condition 1: Overweight or Obese

Condition 2: Have at least one (1) of the following risk factors:

• Maternal history: Mother had a history of diabetes or gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

• Family history: A first- or second-degree relative (parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles) has type 2 diabetes.

• High-risk race/ethnicity: African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander.

• Signs of insulin resistance or associated conditions:

  • Presence of Acanthosis nigricans (darkened skin patches in skin folds).

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure).

  • Dyslipidemia.

  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in girls.

  • History of being Small for Gestational Age (SGA) or Large for Gestational Age (LGA) at birth.

If the child's initial test results are completely normal, the ADA recommends scheduling periodic check-ups every 2 to 3 years, or sooner if the child continues to gain weight too rapidly or develops new risk factors.

5️⃣ Guidelines for caring for children with prediabetes:

In medicine, for young children, we do not prioritize immediate medication use. The golden key lies in lifestyle changes for the entire family, focusing on two main pillars:

• Nutrition: Cut down on sugary drinks, milk tea, and fast food. Increase green vegetables and fiber while actively reducing refined carbohydrates in daily meals; provide adequate multivitamins and micronutrients essential for healthy physical growth.

• Physical Activity: Encourage and create opportunities for children to exercise and engage in physical activity for at least 60 minutes a day. Limit screen time (TV, phone, or computer) to less than 2 hours a day.

Prediabetes usually develops very silently with almost no clear symptoms. Therefore, if you notice your child gaining weight rapidly, having dark patches of skin on the neck or armpits (acanthosis nigricans), high blood pressure, or belonging to a high-risk group, do not be complacent. Bring your child to a medical facility for timely examination and screening.

If parents are still wondering whether their child is at risk for prediabetes, book an appointment at CarePlus to be examined directly by a Pediatric Specialist, get blood sugar levels screened, receive answers to all questions, and get expert advice on a scientific nutrition and exercise plan to help children prevent diseases and develop comprehensively and healthily.

Inbox us or contact our toll-free hotline 1800 6116 to schedule an appointment at CarePlus today!