Diabetes mellitus en pacientes adolescentes

Abstract

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects thousands of adolescents worldwide, and its prevalence has been increasing in recent decades. It is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels due to a lack of insulin production or poor insulin utilization. While diabetes can manifest itself at any stage of life, its presence in adolescence poses additional challenges due to the physical and emotional changes inherent to this stage of development. There are several types of diabetes, the most common in adolescence being type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and type MODY diabetes. Type 1 diabetes in adolescents is due to a lack of insulin due to the destruction of insulin-producing cells, while type 2 diabetes is associated with insulin resistance and is often linked to lifestyle factors such as obesity. The main symptoms are polyphagia, polyuria, nocturia, weight loss with increased appetite, fatigue and weakness. A good clinical history and tests such as blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, investigation of autoantibodies and anti-C-peptide antibodies are important for the diagnosis. In the treatment it is important the intervention of a multidisciplinary team involving the physician, nutritionist, psychologist and family members. The aim of treatment is to improve the quality of life and reduce long-term complications in adolescents.