Kids, Covid, and Diabetes
A January report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggesting that kids with a SARS-CoV-2 infection are up to 2.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes is coming under scrutiny from pediatricians and health experts.
Criticism for the report focuses on the study’s limitations, which are:
1. Using one diabetes ICD code with no other information is too nonspecific
2. It fails to adjust to other potential contributing factors and other underlying conditions such as obesity, race and ethnicity.
3. It pooled all types of diabetes together.
While the findings may be considered inconclusive by some, pediatric hospitals are seeing more children with new-onset diabetes after recently or while currently having COVID-19. And some kids with diabetes who acquired the coronavirus are experiencing severe complications that require hospitalization.
In addition, other viral infections have been linked to the development of diabetes, although what that means for COVID-19 will need to be studied in the months and years ahead.
Increased Risks?
It’s too soon to know if COVID-19 increases kids’ risk of diabetes although it is thought that viral infections might trigger the process of Type 1 diabetes in those who might already be susceptible. But a lot more research is required including examining environmental triggers such as viral infections that damage cells, genetics, and the immune system – all of which can contribute to the development of diabetes.
How diabetes impacts the immune system
Diabetes develops when the body is unable to regulate its blood glucose levels. Those with Type 1 diabetes have damage to beta cells in the pancreas due to an autoimmune response, and those with Type 2 diabetes have insulin resistance.
Both conditions, if left untreated, can severely weaken the immune system and increase the risk of health complications.
COVID-19’s Impact On Kids With Diabetes
Viral illnesses, particularly those that cause fever, can lead to changes in blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. If the infection interferes with the insulin needs in children with diabetes, they may develop diabetes ketoacidosis, which would require hospitalization.
The long-term effects of COVID-19 on kids with diabetes, however, are unclear.
Finally
Parents can do a lot to help their children prevent Type 2 diabetes. These types of healthy changes can easily become habits if everyone joins in and does them together.
Here are some tips:
Exercise. Get more active. Go for walks, play ball or go to the park. Children need at least 60 minutes of activity a day.
Managing weight. If your child is overweight, losing weight may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Cut back on sugar. Limit sugar-sweetened drinks and juice.
Offer healthy snacks and meals. Focus on vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
See a dietitian. Some grocery chains have a dietitian to help you at no charge.
Resources:
https://www.uth.edu/news/story.htm?id=9479aee5-9818-4c20-be9b-79477601d8be
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7102e2.htm