Childhood Diabetes Isn’t Bound by Age
Diabetes can affect anyone, including newborns and very young children. In Nigeria, specialists like Dr. Oluwarotimi Bolaji Olopade, a physician and endocrinologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), emphasize that diabetes does not discriminate by age. Through his work with the Endocrine and Metabolism Society of Nigeria (EMSON) and his role at LUTH, Dr. Olopade highlights the urgent need for awareness, early detection, and relentless follow-up for children living with the condition.
Understanding Pediatric Diabetes
While adult diabetes often dominates public conversation, childhood diabetes—especially type 1—remains a critical public health concern. Children diagnosed with diabetes require comprehensive care that includes regular monitoring of blood sugar, insulin therapy, nutrition, physical activity, and education for families. Dr. Olopade explains that early recognition of symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, unintended weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision can dramatically improve outcomes for children.
Type 1 vs. Type 2 in Children
Although both types can appear in youth, type 1 diabetes remains the more common diagnosis for children. Type 2, previously rare in kids, is increasingly seen due to rising obesity and lifestyle factors. Dr. Olopade stresses that any child with persistent hyperglycemia warrants prompt assessment, as rapid treatment initiation can prevent life-threatening emergencies like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
What Parents and Caregivers Should Know
Managing a child with diabetes is a family affair. Regular follow-ups, diabetes education, and a supportive home environment are essential. Dr. Olopade’s guidance includes:
- Establishing a consistent daily routine for meals, snacks, and insulin administration.
- Maintaining a balanced diet that accommodates growth and activity while stabilizing blood glucose.
- Being vigilant for signs of hypo- or hyperglycemia and knowing how to respond quickly.
- Ensuring access to a reliable supply of insulin, syringes or pens, and glucose monitoring supplies.
- Coordinating care with a pediatric endocrinologist, especially in complex cases or when school planning is needed.
EMSON and Nigeria’s Endocrine Care Network
As the Secretary General of the Endocrine and Metabolism Society of Nigeria (EMSON), Dr. Olopade plays a pivotal role in shaping policy, education, and collaborative care across facilities. EMSON advocates for standardized diabetes management, professional training for healthcare workers, and better access to essential supplies. This network is crucial for Nigeria, where disparities in healthcare access can delay diagnosis and treatment for children with diabetes.
LUTH: A Center for Pediatric Endocrinology
Lagos University Teaching Hospital serves as a key hub for endocrinology in Nigeria. Through pediatric endocrinology clinics and specialized patient education programs, LUTH helps families navigate the complexities of childhood diabetes. Dr. Olopade’s work underscores the importance of multidisciplinary teams—doctors, nurses, nutritionists, and social workers—in providing holistic care for young patients and their families.
Looking Ahead: Hope and Practical Steps
Advances in diabetes technology and care protocols continue to improve outcomes for children. Practical steps for families include learning about blood glucose targets appropriate for each child, recognizing the signs of insulin needs changing with growth, and staying engaged with school health plans to support safe activity and learning. Dr. Olopade encourages ongoing public education to destigmatize diabetes and promote early screening, especially for families with a history of the condition.
Conclusion
Diabetes can emerge at any age, including in infants and toddlers. Nigeria’s endocrinology leaders—like Dr. Oluwarotimi Bolaji Olopade at LUTH and EMSON’s nationwide network—are advancing awareness, early diagnosis, and continuous care. By equipping families with knowledge and resources, we can improve the lives and health trajectories of children living with diabetes today.
