Children with type 1 diabetes increase, Ministry of Health guides diagnosis and treatment

Children receive counseling and treatment for diabetes at the National Children's Hospital - Photo: Provided by the hospital.

On the afternoon of June 24th, the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management ( Ministry of Health ) organized an online training session on the diagnosis and treatment of type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents.

Professional guidelines for diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents have been compiled for the first time in Vietnam.

Type 1 diabetes is increasing in children.

According to the Ministry of Health , the most common type of diabetes in children and adolescents is type 1 diabetes, which accounts for 90% of diabetes cases in children.

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in 2022, there are 8.75 million people worldwide living with type 1 diabetes, with one-fifth of them living in low- and lower-middle-income countries.

In 2022 alone, there were 530,000 new cases of type 1 diabetes globally across all age groups, including 201,000 people under the age of 20.

In Vietnam, there is currently no complete epidemiological data on type 1 diabetes in children. However, data from specialized pediatric hospitals indicates that approximately 2000 children nationwide have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

The number of children with type 1 diabetes has been on the rise nationwide for the past 7 years. At the National Children's Hospital, from 2017 to 2023, between 60 and 95 children were newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes each year.

To enhance standardization and quality in the diagnosis and treatment of type 1 diabetes, based on scientific and technological advancements and international recommendations, the Ministry of Health has developed guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents.

Early detection and treatment are crucial.

According to experts, type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, mainly affects children and adolescents because the pancreas is no longer able to produce enough insulin. Patients with type 1 diabetes need insulin treatment to have a chance of survival.

Signs that a child may have diabetes include frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, lack of energy, constant fatigue, and excessive thirst.

According to Mr. Tran Minh Dien, director of the National Children's Hospital, type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, from newborns to older children. If not detected and treated early, the condition can progress, leading to acidosis and threatening life.

Once the disease is diagnosed, doctors will develop a treatment plan. In the initial stage, children will be treated in hospitals, and the appropriate insulin dosage will be calculated.

Once the condition is stable, children can be treated and monitored at home. In addition to insulin therapy, nutrition and exercise are also very important in the treatment of type 1 diabetes in children.

Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes in children focus primarily on clinical practice for the diagnosis and treatment of type 1 diabetes, aiming for early detection, timely diagnosis and treatment, and effective control of type 1 diabetes. The goal is to reduce the burden of disease on children and families living with type 1 diabetes, helping children lead long, healthy lives.

Denmark supports Vietnam in improving its capacity to treat childhood diabetes.

Also on the afternoon of June 24th, the Danish Embassy and the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment (Ministry of Health) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation to enhance healthcare capacity for the period 2024-2026.

The Ministry of Health and the Danish Embassy in Vietnam signed a memorandum of cooperation - Photo: D. LIEU

The program aims to improve the quality of diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases, ultimately leading to a better quality of life for patients.

The Danish Embassy will cooperate and facilitate the exchange of knowledge, while simultaneously strengthening medical training, information exchange, and sharing experiences on non-communicable diseases, especially diabetes and obesity. This includes developing and updating professional medical guidelines and addressing treatment gaps.

Previously, during the period 2016-2023, the Ministry of Health also collaborated with the Danish Embassy in Vietnam to implement a cooperation program in the field of medical training and achieved many results, such as enhancing the capacity of 4,500 general practitioners and specialists nationwide in diabetes and obesity and developing professional guidelines, etc.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tre-em-mac-benh-dai-thao-duong-type-1-tang-bo-y-te-huong-dan-chan-doan-va-dieu-tri-20240624162756406.htm