Health experts are increasingly alarmed by the rising cases of Type 1 Diabetes in children, a trend that has notably escalated since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The surge in diagnoses has prompted urgent calls for increased resources and support to address this growing health crisis.
In early 2021, as schools reopened after pandemic lockdowns, Christine Njoki, a 12-year-old girl, began showing symptoms that were initially mistaken for malaria. Her mother, Mary Nyokabi, was contacted by Njoki’s school and advised to take her to a hospital when her condition worsened. Despite treatment for various ailments, Njoki’s symptoms persisted, leading to a crucial diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes after her sugar levels were tested. This diagnosis came as a shock, given the commonality of symptoms with other diseases, complicating early detection.
Similarly, nine-year-old Asili Thiram, who had been visiting her hospitalized mother, started exhibiting symptoms such as excessive thirst and weakness. Initially suspected of having malaria, Thiram was eventually diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at Nakuru Referral Hospital. These cases are part of a disturbing trend observed by healthcare professionals.
Gladys Chesire, a Diabetes Nurse at Nakuru Level 5 Hospital, notes a significant increase in Type 1 Diabetes cases among children. Prior to the pandemic, the hospital would register new cases every two to three months, but since COVID-19, the rate has surged to about ten new patients per month. Chesire attributes this rise to a combination of misdiagnosis and delayed treatment, as symptoms often mimic those of malaria or typhoid, leading to critical delays in appropriate care.
Recent studies have revealed a concerning 27 percent increase in Type 1 Diabetes cases during the first year of the pandemic, with a 14 percent rise in the second year. While the exact cause of this increase remains unclear, experts are calling for more research to understand the potential factors driving this trend. Dr. Bernard Gwer, a pediatrician and diabetes specialist, explains that Type 1 Diabetes results from the immune system mistakenly attacking insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, a condition that requires lifelong management through insulin therapy.
The recent spike in cases is prompting healthcare professionals to advocate for heightened awareness of the symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes, often referred to as the four Ts: tiredness, thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss. Early detection is crucial for effective management and to prevent severe health complications. Dr. Gwer emphasizes the importance of recognizing these signs early and seeking medical advice promptly to improve outcomes for affected children.
With over 335 children currently receiving care and training on managing their condition at Nakuru Level 5 Hospital, there is a pressing need for continued support and expansion of resources. Health officials are working to train community healthcare providers and educate families on managing Type 1 Diabetes, including the critical aspect of insulin administration. The condition requires regular insulin injections, often multiple times a day, to regulate blood sugar levels and prevent long-term complications such as damage to organs.
Counties such as Kitui, Marsabit, Homa Bay, and Lamu are reported to have higher incidences of Type 1 Diabetes, highlighting regional disparities in healthcare access and support. Programs like ‘Changing Diabetes in Children’ aim to provide comprehensive care and support to affected families, including organizing camps where children can connect with peers facing similar challenges.
In summary, the rising number of Type 1 Diabetes cases among children post-pandemic underscores the urgent need for enhanced healthcare infrastructure, awareness, and support systems. As experts continue to investigate the causes of this alarming trend, the focus remains on improving early diagnosis, treatment, and management to ensure better health outcomes for affected children.
