Introduction
Diabetes mellitus diagnosis is when a healthcare provider evaluates a patient’s symptoms and medical history to determine if they are living with diabetes. The diagnosis involves a series of tests. If a patient is diagnosed with diabetes, they may be prescribed lifestyle modifications, medications, and insulin to help manage their condition. This paper will investigate the medical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and anticipate potential developmental and psychosocial implications across various age spans, including infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children, and adolescents.
Diagnosis
Diabetes type 2 is a chronic metabolic disorder in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. This hormone helps convert glucose, a type of sugar, in the blood into energy for the body, which can lead to an increase in blood sugar levels and, over time, cause various health issues. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is the proportion of people in a population who have type 2 diabetes. It is generally measured as the number of people with type 2 diabetes per 100 people. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing globally and is estimated to affect more than 420 million people worldwide (Peña et al., 2020). Generally, the condition entails a disturbance in the regulation of sugar.
Symptoms
Diabetes type 2 is a chronic condition where the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use insulin properly. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, increased hunger, blurred vision, fatigue, slow-healing cuts and wounds, yeast infections, and numbness or tingling in the hands and feet (Peña et al., 2020).
Long-term complications can include heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision loss (Peña et al., 2020). Additional symptoms of type 2 diabetes may include skin problems such as dark patches or skin tags, frequent yeast infections, increased episodes of thrush, dry mouth, gum disease, and tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.
Tests Required to Diagnose
Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes is confirmed using specific testing procedures. The fasting blood glucose test, administered after an eight-hour fast, suggests diabetes if the level is above 126 mg/dL (Peña et al., 2020). Alternatively, the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) involves measuring blood glucose two hours after a patient ingests a 75-gram glucose solution; a result over 200 mg/dL indicates a potential diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment options for type 2 diabetes involve lifestyle changes, medications, and insulin therapy. Eating a healthy diet low in saturated fat, added sugars, and sodium and rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is essential for controlling blood glucose levels. Regular physical activity helps to improve insulin sensitivity and promote weight loss. Medications may include oral hypoglycemic agents, such as metformin, glipizide, and glimepiride. Insulin therapy may also be recommended for people with type 2 diabetes. Insulin can help reduce blood glucose levels and may be necessary if other treatments are ineffective.
Potential Implications
Cognitive Development
Infants
The potential implications of the diagnosis and treatment of type 2 diabetes on the cognitive development of infants can be wide-ranging. Diabetes type 2 can cause a variety of physical and mental health issues, which can have a direct impact on the cognitive development of infants. For example, type 2 diabetes can lead to chronic inflammation, which in turn can cause changes in the brain, including an increase in the production of inflammatory molecules and hormones (Ye & Fu, 2018). This can lead to changes in behavior that may harm cognitive development. Infants with type 2 diabetes may experience difficulty with problem-solving, memory, language development, and other cognitive processes.
Toddlers
The developmental trajectory of toddlers is susceptible to the effects of Type 2 Diabetes, particularly concerning cognition. Early identification and treatment are necessary to preclude or retard the associated cognitive deficits. Specifically, unmanaged type 2 diabetes can result in delays in skills such as problem-solving and abstract thinking, which subsequently affect language, communication, and organizational capacity (Ye & Fu, 2018). Furthermore, early intervention is essential for reducing the likelihood of severe, long-term complications, including sensory impairments like vision and hearing loss.
Preschoolers
Type 2 diabetes can significantly impact the cognitive development of preschool children. Excessive sugar in the blood can damage blood vessels, restricting the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain and leading to decreased cognitive functioning. Early diagnosis and proper treatment of type 2 diabetes can help to minimize the potential influences on cognitive development in preschool children (Ye & Fu, 2018).
Following a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and taking medications as prescribed can help keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range and reduce the risk of long-term cognitive difficulties. Additionally, regular medical check-ups can help detect changes in blood sugar levels, which can prevent possible complications.
School Age
Diabetes type 2 can significantly impact a child’s cognitive development. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to fatigue, impaired concentration, and reduced memory, ultimately affecting academic performance. It can also cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves, further exacerbating cognitive issues (Ye & Fu, 2018). If a child can maintain their diabetes through proper treatment and management, they can often avoid these cognitive issues.
However, even with treatment, the diagnosis and management of type 2 diabetes can still affect a child’s cognitive development. The diagnosis and treatment of type 2 diabetes can be a significant source of stress for a child. Stress can interfere with cognitive function, resulting in decreased academic performance.
Adolescents
Diabetes type 2 in adolescents can negatively impact their cognitive development. Studies have found that adolescents with type 2 diabetes often experience a decline in their academic performance, an increased risk of depression, and difficulties with concentration, memory, and problem-solving (Ye & Fu, 2018). Furthermore, poor control of type 2 diabetes can lead to a condition known as hypoglycemia, which can impair cognitive functioning and cause dizziness, confusion, and even seizures. Therefore, adolescents who have type 2 diabetes often require regular monitoring of their blood sugar levels, frequent check-ups with their doctor, and regular doses of insulin.
Emotional Development
Infants
The diagnosis and treatment of type 2 diabetes can have significant implications for the emotional development of infants. While it is vital to ensure that diabetes is managed appropriately, it is also essential to be mindful of the potential emotional impacts this diagnosis and treatment may have on infants. Infants can become overwhelmed by the amount of attention they receive due to their condition (Yoshida & Simoes, 2018).
While providing the necessary medical attention is important, it is also essential to ensure the infant has enough emotional space to develop in a secure and nurturing environment. Too much medical attention can leave the infant feeling overwhelmed and anxious, leading to feelings of insecurity or difficulty with emotional regulation.
Toddlers
A Type 2 diabetes diagnosis can lead to fear, stress, and anxiety for the toddler and their family. They may also experience guilt, confusion, and sadness (Yoshida & Simoes, 2018). Diabetes treatment can also have an emotional effect on a toddler. Regular blood sugar monitoring and taking medication can be difficult and stressful for a toddler to understand and adjust to. They may experience fear of needles or shots and become frustrated and overwhelmed with the number of steps and procedures involved in the diabetes management process.
Preschoolers
Diagnosis and treatment of type 2 diabetes in preschool children can have various potential implications on their emotional development. For example, children may experience feelings of guilt and shame due to the diagnosis, as they may feel like they have done something wrong to cause the condition (Yoshida & Simoes, 2018).
Additionally, they may feel overwhelmed, anxious, and scared due to the unfamiliarity of their condition, the need for frequent monitoring, and the potential for serious complications. Furthermore, if the child is required to take medications or insulin injections, they may feel embarrassed or scared of needles, leading to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
School Age
Diagnosing and treating type 2 diabetes in school-age children can significantly affect their emotional development. First, the diagnosis can be traumatic and cause fear, anxiety, and depression. It can also make the child feel helpless and overwhelmed (Peña et al., 2020). They may struggle with guilt or shame and feel isolated from their peers. The treatment of type 2 diabetes can also impact the emotional development of a school-age child. The changes the treatment requires can be challenging for the child to adjust to, and they may experience feelings of frustration or loss of control.
Adolescents
The diagnosis of a chronic illness can be a difficult and traumatic experience for adolescents, as they must come to terms with the physical and emotional implications of the diagnosis (Yoshida & Simoes, 2018). Adolescents may experience fear, guilt, or depression in response to their diagnosis and treatment, as they may feel overwhelmed by the changes they must make to their lifestyle. Additionally, adolescents may struggle with body image issues, as medical treatments and lifestyle changes may affect their physical appearance. Furthermore, adolescents may feel isolated as they may not understand what is happening to them or why.
Fears and Stressors
Infants
Diabetes type 2 can have a significant impact on the development of infants. Diagnosing and treating the condition can potentially lead to various fears and stressors. For example, fear of the unknown can arise from a lack of understanding of the condition and its implications (Serbis et al., 2021). Additionally, parents may worry about the long-term effects of type 2 diabetes on their child’s development, such as poor cognitive and physical development. Parents may also have difficulty dealing with their own emotions surrounding the diagnosis, such as guilt, shame, and worry. Additionally, the financial burden associated with treatment can be a significant source of stress.
Toddlers
The potential implications of a diagnosis and treatment of type 2 diabetes on the development of fears/stressors in toddlers can be complex and varied. It is important to consider the toddler’s age and the individual’s personality and temperament (Serbis et al., 2021). One of the primary fears/stressors that toddlers may develop is the fear of needles. If the individual is required to take medication or receive insulin injections, this can cause great distress and anxiety. Children may become wary of doctors, nurses, or needles in general. Children may also become fearful of foods that need to be avoided due to their diabetes diagnoses, such as sugary foods or carbohydrates.
Preschoolers
Diabetes is a chronic, lifelong disease that requires careful management and monitoring, so the diagnosis may create fear and anxiety for the child and their family (Serbis et al., 2021). The child may fear needles, medications, and medical appointments, as well as the potential long-term consequences of diabetes. In addition, the child may feel stigmatized or isolated, especially if they have physical or mental disabilities associated with diabetes. Treatment may also create additional stressors, as the child must adhere to a strict diet, take medications, and regularly monitor their blood glucose levels.
School Age
Diabetes type 2 can profoundly affect the development of school-age children. In particular, diagnosis and treatment of the condition can cause fear and stress in children due to the potential implications of the illness. These could include the potential for developing complications related to the condition, such as damage to the eyes, heart, and kidneys (Serbis et al., 2021). Treatment may involve lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, which can be challenging for children to adjust to and can lead to a sense of loss of control. Additionally, the stigma of having a chronic condition like diabetes can cause children to feel ashamed and isolated, leading to depression and other mental health issues.
Adolescents
Diagnosis and treatment of type 2 diabetes can have a significant impact on the development of adolescents. Adolescence is characterized by rapid physical and psychological development, and the diagnosis of a chronic health condition can have a particularly profound impact on the development of adolescents (Serbis et al., 2021). The diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can be a source of fear, worry, and stress for adolescents. They may worry about their future health, the implications of the diagnosis, and their ability to manage their condition. They may also feel anxious and experience feelings of isolation or embarrassment. Additionally, treating type 2 diabetes can also be a source of stress for adolescents.
Interventions and Support Mechanisms
The child life specialist can provide psycho-education and support to the adolescent and their family by providing information about diabetes and its management. It can help adolescents understand the physical and emotional impacts of diabetes, assist them in developing coping strategies, and provide emotional support (Ye & Fu, 2018). Additionally, the child life specialist can work with the health care team to help create a safe and supportive environment for the adolescent and their family.
The creation of such a surrounding can be achieved by identifying potential stressors and providing interventions that prevent them. For example, smoking is a potential stressor for diabetic patients, meaning the health care team can offer helpful drugs that mimic tobacco, helping the patient survive (Yoshida & Simoes, 2018). Moreover, a stressor such as a poor-quality diet can be mitigated through diet plans approved by the healthcare team.
Adolescent diabetes-patient and family-centered care consideration interventions and support mechanisms can be used to relieve adolescents from diabetes diagnosis and treatment potential stressors. These interventions and support mechanisms involve understanding the adolescent’s physical, emotional, and social needs and tailoring the care to meet these needs. The interventions and support mechanisms should start with the adolescent and involve their family and healthcare team (Hills et al., 2018).
This includes education and communication between the patient, family, and healthcare team. Adolescents should be able to ask questions and express their concerns about their diabetes and its treatment. The healthcare team should explain the diabetes management plan, including how to monitor blood sugar levels, administer medication, and adopt a healthy eating regimen. The healthcare team should also provide emotional and psychological support to the adolescent and their family. This includes offering counseling, support groups, and opportunities for adolescents with diabetes to connect.
The family can also be a source of support. They should be informed, involved in the adolescent’s care and treatment, and encouraged to provide emotional and psychological support. Parents should also encourage healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular physical activity and a balanced diet. Family members can also help their loved ones by actively listening to them, expressing unconditional love and support, connecting them with appropriate resources, and encouraging them to seek professional help if necessary (Hills et al., 2018). They can also help by setting boundaries and providing appropriate consequences for negative behaviors. Additionally, family members should try to understand their loved one’s mental health challenges and be open to discussing them together.
Recommendations
The recommendations and plans for follow-up support interventions on adolescent diabetes patients should focus on helping the adolescents to adjust to their diabetes diagnosis and treatment. This can be achieved by providing emotional support and guidance, as well as educational resources on diabetes management (Hills et al., 2018). One intervention could involve establishing a support system comprising healthcare providers, family members, and peers who can provide emotional and social support to the adolescent. These individuals can also provide helpful information about diabetes management and offer a safe space to discuss the adolescent’s fears and concerns.
Another intervention could focus on providing educational resources about diabetes and self-management, which could include information on signs and symptoms of high and low blood sugar levels, administering insulin, healthy eating and exercise habits, and managing stress. This intervention could involve providing educational resources through various media (Hills et al., 2018). These could include in-person meetings with a diabetes educator, workshops, pamphlets, online resources, and videos.
Conclusion
In conclusion, diabetes mellitus can significantly impact any age group, from infants to adolescents. The developmental and psychosocial implications of diabetes mellitus can be difficult to manage and should be addressed promptly and comprehensively. It is essential to acknowledge the impact of the diagnosis on individuals of all ages to ensure the best possible outcomes for each person. By understanding the particular challenges associated with diabetes mellitus at each age span and ways to support individuals and families, healthcare providers can better equip those affected by the diagnosis to manage and cope with the challenges they may face.
References
Hills, A. P., Misra, A., Gill, J. M., Byrne, N. M., Soares, M. J., Ramachandran, A., & Arena, R. (2018). Public health and health systems: Implications for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes in South Asia. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 6(12), 992-1002. Web.
Peña, A. S., Curran, J. A., Fuery, M., George, C., Jefferies, C. A., Lobley, K., & Dahiya, R. (2020). Screening, assessment, and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents: Australasian paediatric endocrine group guidelines. Medical Journal of Australia, 213(1), 30-43. Web.
Serbis, A., Giapros, V., Kotanidou, E. P., Galli-Tsinopoulou, A., & Siomou, E. (2021). Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents. World Journal of Diabetes, 12(4), 344. Web.
Ye, Q., & Fu, J. F. (2018). Pediatric type 2 diabetes in China—Pandemic, progression, and potential solutions. Pediatric Diabetes, 19(1), 27-35. Web.
Yoshida, Y., & Simoes, E. J. (2018). Sugar-sweetened beverage, obesity, and type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents: Policies, taxation, and programs. Current Diabetes Reports, 18(6), 1-10. Web.
