Written By: N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe | Updated : November 29, 2025 8:15 AM IST
Some studies have observed an increase in autoimmune conditions, including Type 1 diabetes, in children following other viral pandemics, suggesting that viruses may act as triggers.
Type 1 diabetes in children has been a concerning health crisis in India, with many cases of high blood sugar being reported in the country. A condition once considered rare has quietly become alarming. The National Institute of Health (NIH) claims that Type 1 diabetes is also increasing like Type 2 diabetes, although it may not increase in the same proportion. The US health agency claims that the number of children getting Type 1 diabetes is growing by 3-5 per cent every year. It states that in India for every 100,000 children aged between 0-14 years, about 3 new children are detected with Type 1 diabetes.
Amidst the growing health concerns, the best way to tackle certain health issues is by understanding the subtle changes that show up for timely treatment. If you have type 1 diabetes, your pancreas, which makes insulin, does not function normally. And you need insulin to help blood sugar enter the cells in your body to use as energy.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) explains, "Insulin is a hormone that helps blood glucose (blood sugar) enter your body's cells so that it can be used as energy. If you have diabetes, blood glucose can't enter your cells so it builds up in your bloodstream. This causes high blood glucose (hyperglycemia). Over time, high blood glucose harms your body and can lead to diabetes-related complications if not treated."
"Type 1 diabetes was once called insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes. It often develops in children, teens, and young adults, but it can happen at any age," the Centres of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states. "Type 1 diabetes is less common than type 2 about 5-10% of people with diabetes have type 1."
There are two types of diabetes.
Diabetes type 1 and diabetes type 2 Type 1 is caused by inability of the body to produce insulin due pancreatic incompetence. Child on left has type 1 diabetes, same child on the left after introduction of Insulin. Without insulin pic.twitter.com/XDyZAverJF Doctor Of The Future (@g_diets_) May 6, 2022
Some early warning signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) include:
I had 4 signs that I was living with Type 1 diabetes: excessive thirst, weight loss, frequent urination, and irritability. These can be common signs of Type 1 diabetes. I'm sharing my signs so others can #SeeTheSigns. Join me and share yours #T1D#WorldDiabetesDay@BeyondType1pic.twitter.com/ETjSsHa1R4
Nick Jonas (@nickjonas) November 12, 2022
Healthcare professionals warn to manage high blood sugar levels on time, as if it is left untreated this medical condition can affect other crucial organs and functions of your body. People who delay in treating Type 1 diabetes often raise concerns about heart attack, vision issues, nerve damage, and kidney failure.
