Type 1 diabetes, unlike type 2, is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells. This makes the sufferer dependent on insulin injections.
For young children, symptoms can be difficult to detect. Now figures from the National Diabetes Registry show that around 27 percent of these are only detected when the situation has become acute. Among children under two years of age, the proportion was as high as 55 percent, which shows a sharp increase in the last two years.
Simple tests
This is about ketoacidosis, a serious acidosis that is caused by insulin deficiency and means that the blood pH drops.
It is a life-threatening situation and may require intensive care. But often it doesn't have to go that far if a cheap and simple glucose test or urine test is done, says Peter Adolfsson, a diabetes doctor in Region Halland.
Type 1 diabetes is a gradual disease process and there are signs that both healthcare providers and parents can keep an eye out for. Thirst, fatigue, weight loss and stomach pain are some of them.
It can be difficult to detect, especially in younger children. Heavy diapers or if children who have become dry start to urinate again can be signs, says Karin Åkesson, pediatrician and assistant professor of pediatrics at Linköping University.
Type 2 is increasing
To reduce the risk of young children being affected, the Swedish Childhood Diabetes Foundation, among others, wants to raise the issue in connection with World Diabetes Day on November 14th.
While the proportion of people with type 1 has remained fairly stable for a few years, the incidence of type 2 diabetes is increasing sharply among young adults. A report from Diabetes Sweden and Diabetes Stockholm shows that among people between the ages of 19 and 39, the increase between 2020 and 2024 is a full 35 percent. According to Peter Adolfsson, this is partly due to better diagnosis but also to how we live.
We are slowly but surely approaching Americanization with a population that is gaining weight and moving less. This increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. We can avoid this through social measures such as a sugar tax that helps people make correct choices about food and drink. And daily school gymnastics, says Peter Adolfsson.
Corrected: In an earlier version, Adolfsson was placed in the wrong region. The association behind the report was also incorrect.
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells, making the person dependent on insulin injections. The disease often begins in childhood or adolescence, but can develop at any age.
Around 900 children under 18 are diagnosed in Sweden each year.
Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, where the body's cells cannot use insulin effectively. Insulin regulates the level of blood sugar in the body. Insulin resistance is often linked to lifestyle factors.
It is the most common form and accounts for around 90 percent of all cases – approximately 400,000 people are affected in Sweden. It is characterized by the body developing insulin resistance, which means that the cells do not respond normally to insulin, while insulin production gradually deteriorates.
Type 2 diabetes is strongly linked to lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity and obesity, but is also influenced by heredity and other social and biological factors.
Source 1177, Diabetes Report
