The Threat of COVID-19 to Children with Untreated Diabetes

The recent pandemic has placed everyone in a confused state. Practically everyone raises a lot of questions, be it about social distancing or the number of people being affected. One particular concern is the dangers of COVID-19 to children who have diabetes. 

In a study conducted by a group of experts from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, diabetes was seen as a comorbidity to COVID-19. In the same study, it was noted that mortality seems to be three times higher for people with diabetes. 

Child diabetes

Parents may always look after the signs of childhood diabetes. Some of the noticeable symptoms are:

1. frequent urination, 
2. wetting of the bed, 
3. losing weight, and
4. lack of energy.

These symptoms may, later on, lead to dehydration, rapid, deep breathing, vomiting, and coma (ketoacidosis), especially if not treated.

Studies show that around 95% of childhood and adolescent diabetes is Type 1. This type of diabetes has no cure yet but may be treated.

Impacts of COVID-19 to People with Diabetes

Contrary to what others believe, the American Diabetes Association says that the COVID-19 does not affect people with diabetes, more than the general population. However, it may be worrisome to note that cases in China have shown that people with diabetes had more severe complications. Although there are also reports that it is not only diabetes but even other diseases that may cause more severe complications.

According to Medical News Today, people with diabetes have more complications compared to other patients with COVID-19 because the immune system does not work well. That means that the body is having a more difficult time fighting the virus.

Diabetes also tends to make the healing response of the body to infections like the coronavirus slower.

Impacts of COVID-1 to People with Untreated Diabetes

If the situation does not sound perfect for people with known diabetes, it looks even worse for those whose diabetes is not well-managed. If a person does not treat their diabetes, it may also lead to other problems like heart disease. This situation means that the patient has a weaker body to fight the virus.

Also, if diabetes is kept untreated, the glucose level fluctuates. And the fluctuating blood sugar in the body makes more inviting to the novel coronavirus.

Children with Untreated Diabetes

Thus, the same goes for children. If parents do not get them treated for diabetes, then COVID-19 may be too dangerous for a child.

Dr. Orla Neylon, a pediatric endocrinologist, says that the treatment should be urgent for these children. She also noted that although the current situation makes parents hesitant to go to hospitals, it may be a bigger problem if the kids are not treated. The novel coronavirus may cause complications that could be life-threatening at some point.

The symptoms of childhood diabetes are noticeable at a glance. That is why Dr. Neylon believes that if children display these symptoms, being checked upon by a doctor should not be delayed. The key now, according to Dr. Neylon, is to be alert on the warning signs for diabetes on children.