Kota Kinabalu: Subtle signs of childhood diabetes if not detected and treated early could develop into an acute illness called diabetic ketoacidosis, which may be fatal. Queen Elizabeth Hospital Deputy Director Dr Heric Corray pointed this out while launching the first Sabah Childhood Diabetic Camp at Beringgis Beach Resort, Kinarut Saturday.
A total of 12 affected children, some of whom were accompanied by their parents are participating in the two-day activity organised by QEH's Paediatric Department with the support of the Malaysian Diabetes Association Sabah Branch and the Sabah Child Welfare Association.
According to him, the patients apart from insulin treatment and exercise would also have to follow a diet control advisory with regard to their total calorie requirement and timing and size of the meals, among others. They need the balance of both in order to lead a normal lifestyle, he said.
Childhood diabetes, also known as 'Type 1 insulin-dependant diabetes' is due to the auto-immune destruction of beta cells, which is partly hereditary. It can affect any age but it manifests before the child is 20 years old. The peak incidence is age 12.
The classic symptoms of the illness are polyuria, which is the state or condition of discharging abnormally large quantities of urine, and polydipsia, which is excessive thirst. There will also be weight loss.
"Hence, the affected children will have a tendency to urinate frequently.
They are also usually rather thin despite an increase in appetite. This is because of dehydration and catabolism of muscle and fat," he explained.
Complications of childhood diabetes besides diabetoacidosis (childhood diabetes emergency, hyperglycaemia, acidic blood and dehydration) is hypoglycaemia. At a later stage in the sufferer's life, usually 10 years after diagnosis, there may be function failure of the eyes, kidneys and heart.
Dr Heric in commending the organising committee and associations involved noted with confidence that such camp "would not be the first and the last".
Meanwhile, organising chairman Dr Teo Lee Tam in his address said the camp is held with three objectives. "We want you to know that you are not alone. This camp is for you to interact and get to know the others - to provide moral and emotional support among you."
He told the participants that doctors and the Diabetes Association would be there for them.
"Secondly, the camp is to increase the children's knowledge of the illness through talks and thirdly, to assure parents that the illness should not hinder their child to take part in activities and live normally."
Dr Teo noting that adult diabetic camp is a yearly event run by the Diabetic Association Sabah Branch said since there is a significant difference in adult and childhood diabetes, the adult diabetic camp might not benefit the children in general. Furthermore not many diabetic children in Sabah are able to travel to Kuala Lumpur to attend the yearly children camp there, he said.
Talks on how to give subcutaneous injection, diet control and also how to deal with psychosocial aspect of this chronic disease, and games, a telematch, treasure hunt and party have been arranged for the children.
