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PROJECT FOR STRENGTHENING METABOLIC CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION AND CONTROL SYSTEM

By Taiwan ICDF | 2024-12-21

Type 1 diabetes
in children
Symptoms of Diabetes in Babies
The most common diabetes in children is Type 1 diabetes. Symptoms include:
n Frequent urination.
n Frequent thirst.
n Frequent hunger
n Weight loss or failure to gain weight.

Negative impact of Gestational Diabetes
n Babies born overweight or obese.
n Babies born with disabilities.
n Giving birth to a premature baby.
n Babies born with hypoglycemia.
n Poor lung development, which affects the baby’s breathing.
n Stillbirth (when diabetes is not controlled).
n Increased risk of Type 2 diabetes in the future life of the mother or baby.

Taking Care of a Diabetic Baby
n Join a mutual support group to learn more about the challenges and solutions as a caregiver.
n Do not miss the baby’s regular hospital visits.
n Ensure to monitor the baby more frequently at night.
n Exclusively Breastfeed the baby in the first 6 months.
n Reduce starchy foods.
n Introduce the baby to a healthy diet.
n Educate the child about their responsibility regarding their health.
n Involve family, friends, and school teachers in education and support.
n Provide psychological support to the child as they grow.
n Monitor and keep records of the child’s glucose readings.
? Teach the child about their glucose readings as they grow.
n Cook one meal for the child and the family to ensure that the child does not feel isolated.
n Create a treatment routine that the baby can become accustomed to, with the help of a healthcare worker.
? Assist and teach the child about insulin injections and the appropriate times for taking them.

Sugar Diabetes in Males
Warning Signs of Diabetes:
n Frequent urination
n Excessive frequent thirst
n Tingling or numbness in the feet or hands
n Increased infection
n Weight loss
n Feeling tired most of the time
n Wounds or cuts that heal slowly

Effects of Diabetes on Males:
n Erectile dysfunction
n Reduced fertility
n Urinary incontinence
n Low testosterone
n Increased risk of having babies with disabilities
n Complications like kidney problems

What to do:
n Ensure regular check-ups at the hospital.
n Avoid consuming unhealth diet.
n Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily.
n Quit alcohol and smoking.
n Take medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
n Only take medication provided or prescribed by a healthcare professional.

QUESTIONS and COMMENTS ON THE DISCUSSED TOPICS:
Questions taken from listeners are as follows:
Q1. I was told that my blood pressure level has decreased. I’ve never had a problem with high blood pressure before. What could be the cause?
Ans: There are various reasons that may include reduced blood production by the body or changes related to the menstrual cycle. Please visit a hospital to get a clear explanation of the cause and to undergo further tests, such as checking for cancer. We also advise you to stop consuming non-nutritive substances, such as soil.

Q2. I once had an operation, but my belly is not reducing. I’ve tried everything to lose belly fat. What causes a big belly in females?
Ans: Due to lifestyle choices or cravings during pregnancy, women tend to consume a lot of unhealthy foods. This food can be stored as fat in the belly, which may take time to lose. Genetics may also play a role. However, if the cause remains unexplained, please visit a hospital, as it could indicate a medical issue, such as ascites.

Q3. We wish to go to the facilities, but the challenge is the long queue. Men are naturally impatient. We don’t have the patience to go to the hospital. Is there anything that can be done to make this process easier and faster?
Ans: The ministry of health is working on establishing departments where only males can receive assistance. Some hospitals already provide fast service for men. However, we still engage men to practice patience and visit the hospital for regular check-ups.

Q4. What is the best way to protect your child and your family? Personally, I love my tea with a lot of sugar. What can I do?
Ans: Enjoying sweet beverages is a habit that you can train yourself to change. You can start by gradually reducing the amount of sugar until you eventually stop adding it in meals.

Q5. I’m taking hypertension medication and also medication for my bones. Is it safe to take them together at once, or should I take them separately? Secondly, can the medication somehow contribute to diabetes mellitus?
Ans: When we prescribe medication, we conduct blood tests on the patient. Stick to the prescription you receive from the hospital. Only buy from a pharmacy when you have a doctor’s prescription. It is recommended to wait some time after taking one pill before taking another, as this helps to avoid pill burden on the body.

Q6. There are types of sugar that are recommended for diabetic people. Is it safe to take them even if you are not diabetic?
Ans: Brands will market their products in various ways, but what people should understand is that everything containing sugar is sweet, and we do not recommend excessive consumption of it.

Q7. I recently found out that I’m diabetic, and I don’t know what to eat. What is the best diet?
Ans: Reduce the intake of starches and carbohydrates. A good plate consists of half filled with green vegetables, a quarter filled with starch, and a quarter filled with protein.

Q8. I can’t sleep without taking sleeping pills. What could be the cause?
Ans: It may be due to the types of drinks you consume before bed, such as caffeinated beverages.
Avoid sleeping during the day, as this may affect your sleeping patterns at night. We urge you to try to sleep naturally and avoid the use of sleeping pills.

Q9. Every time I consume sugar, I get a terrible headache. This started when I was young. Now I have sores in my mouth. What can help me?

Ans: Please visit the hospital for tests and examination. We also advise you to avoid sugar, as it may be the cause of your illness.

This VOC programme is supported by Taiwan ICDF under the Project for Strengthening Metabolic Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Systems. You can listen to the programme every Fridays from 8am to 9am.

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