Be Aware, Cases of Diabetes in Children Have Increased 70-Fold!

BeeFams, diabetes used to be associated with adults, but who would have thought that it now affects children. Cases of diabetes in children in 2023 have increased 70-fold since 2010. This year, there are 1,948 children in Indonesia with type 1 diabetes, with 58% of them being girls.

According to data from the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI), there are 527 new cases of type 1 diabetes in children this year. Of course, this is a cause for concern for parents, which is why it’s so important to understand more about diabetes in children.

When blood sugar levels are too high because the body does not produce insulin or cannot use insulin properly, diabetes occurs. Insulin plays a vital role in helping body cells use sugar for energy. Without proper management, this condition can interfere with your child’s growth and development.

In general, there are two types of diabetes. The most common type in children is type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the pancreas, the organ that produces insulin. As a result, the child’s body can hardly produce insulin at all. Therefore, children with type 1 diabetes must receive insulin injections for life to keep their blood sugar levels stable.

Some factors known to increase a child’s risk of developing diabetes include:

1. Genetic factors or if there are family members with type 1 diabetes

Diabetes has the potential to be inherited. If parents or siblings have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, there is a high risk of it being passed on to their children. 

2. Infection with certain viruses

Certain viruses can trigger autoimmune damage to islet cells (cells in the pancreas that produce the hormone insulin), resulting in reduced insulin production.

Type 2 Diabetes

While type 1 diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce insulin, type 2 diabetes happens when the body cannot use insulin properly. also known as insulin resistance. The child's cells have difficulty using insulin to utilize blood sugar for energy. In some cases, insulin production also decreases, causing the child's blood sugar levels to rise.

Type 2 diabetes generally occurs in children over 10 years old and adolescents, especially those who are overweight or not physically active. Some risk factors include:

1. Obesity or being overweight

Children who are overweight are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes because the fatty tissue between the muscles and around the abdomen tends to cause insulin resistance. 

2. High sugar and fat intake

Nowadays, we often see many children consuming sweet foods and drinks, as well as red meat or processed meat. The delicious taste can stimulate children's appetite. However, if not controlled properly, it can increase the risk of children developing type 2 diabetes.

3.    Lack of exercise

Gadgets have become an integral part of children's lives, one of which is as a medium of entertainment. However, gadget addiction can make children lazy to move or be active. Meanwhile, physical activity is very important in burning fat that accumulates in the body and can lead to diabetes. 

4.    Family history of diabetes

Having family members with diabetes also increases the risk of developing this disease.

How to prevent type 2 diabetes in children?

1. Adopt a healthy, balanced diet that is low in salt and saturated fat.

2. Promote daily physical activity for at least 60 minutes

3. Limit screen time and gadget use

4. Schedule regular health checkups

In addition, it is also important for parents to set a good example by following the tips above to help prevent the risk of diabetes. 

5 Symptoms of Diabetes in Children to Watch Out For 

Although the symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are generally similar and difficult to distinguish, and some children do not experience any complaints or symptoms, other children may experience the following symptoms:

1. Frequent thirst and urination

Excess glucose in the blood causes the body to expel more water through urine, leading to frequent urination and dehydration, making children feel constantly thirsty.

2.  Frequent hunger but still feeling weak

When suffering from diabetes, the child's body has difficulty producing energy due to impaired function or reduced insulin. As a result, children often feel hungry and eat a lot to get energy.

3.  Unexplained weight loss

Even though the child eats more than usual, children with diabetes actually lose weight. The lack of energy supply from sugar causes stored muscle and fat tissue to shrink. Well, unexplained weight loss is often the first sign of diabetes in children.

 4. Appearing lethargic and easily tired 

The reduced energy in the body makes children with diabetes appear more lethargic, weak, and easily tired. Even though children have eaten large portions, they may still appear lethargic.

5. Slow-healing wounds

High blood sugar levels make it harder for wounds to heal and increase the risk of infections.

BeeFams, in addition, the skin of children with diabetes can also darken due to insulin resistance, such as in the neck and armpit areas, also known as acanthosis nigricans. If you notice these signs, consult your doctor right away!

Healthy Living Without Fear of Sweets

Helping children live a healthy life doesn’t mean they have to give up sweetness completely! What matters is learning how to manage sugar intake and choose healthier sources of sweetness.

Too much sugar can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, especially in children who rarely exercise or consume sugary snacks and drinks every day. The good news is a healthy life can still be sweet, as long as you know how to balance it:

1. Reducing the use of refined sugar

2. Getting children used to eating fresh fruit as a natural sweet snack

3. Replace sugar with healthier natural sweeteners, such as HDI Clover Honey, a high-quality pure honey that provides energy and can safely be consumed in moderation, even by people with diabetes.

HDI Clover Honey also has a low glycemic index (53) and insulin index (49). Additionally, it contains important vitamins and minerals for the body and can protect the digestive system.

In celebration of World Diabetes Day this month (November 5–30, 2025), enjoy our Sweet Honey promo! 

Get up to 20% off HDI Clover Honey 500g with a minimum purchase of one Better Set (Better Inside/ Better Outside).

Hurry, visit hdi.com or the nearest HDI Center in your city before it runs out! •

Sources:

· https://www.cnnindonesia.com/gaya-hidup/20250429143643-255-1223925/terus-meningkat-hampir-2-ribu-anak-di-ri-idap-diabetes-tipe-1 

· https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/lifestyle/20230202091237-33-410301/kasus-diabetes-anak-meningkat-70-kali-lipat-kenali-gejalanya 

· https://www.kompas.id/artikel/prevalensi-anak-dengan-diabetes-tipe-1-di-indonesia-melonjak 

· https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/kasusnya-terus-meningkat-ini-8-penyebab-diabetes-pada-anak 

· https://www.alodokter.com/diabetes-pada-anak-penyebab-risiko-dan-gejala 

· https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/ini-4-cara-ampuh-mencegah-diabetes-tipe-2-pada-anak