Creating a Soothing Sleep Environment

A conducive sleep environment is crucial for attaining optimal sleep quality. Start by ensuring your bedroom is quiet, dark, and comfortably cool. Consider investing in blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine to minimize disruptions. Additionally, a comfortable mattress and supportive pillows are essential for proper spinal alignment and comfort.

Experiment with different bedding materials to find what suits you best. Finally, remove electronic devices from your bedroom to eliminate distractions and minimize exposure to blue light, which can interfere with your natural sleep-wake cycle.

Establishing a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Maintaining a regular sleep schedule helps regulate your body’s internal clock, allowing you to fall asleep more easily and wake up feeling refreshed. Aim to establish a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends.

Consistency reinforces your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, promoting better sleep quality. To aid in the transition to bedtime, establish a relaxing pre-sleep routine. Engage in activities such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. These practices signal to your body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for restful sleep.

Prioritizing Physical Activity and Exercise

Regular physical activity has numerous benefits for sleep quality. Engaging in moderate-intensity exercise during the day can help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improve sleep duration. However, avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime, as it may have an energizing effect.

Aim to incorporate exercise into your daily routine, but complete your workout at least a few hours before bedtime. Finding a physical activity that you enjoy will make it easier to stick to a routine and reap the sleep-enhancing benefits.

Managing Stress

Stress and worry are common culprits for sleep disturbances. To improve sleep quality, it’s essential to find effective ways to manage stress. Consider adopting stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness meditation, journaling, or engaging in relaxation exercises.

Prioritize self-care activities that promote relaxation and help you unwind. Additionally, establish a worry journal to jot down any anxious thoughts before bedtime, allowing you to release them from your mind. By actively managing stress and worries, you can create a calm mental space conducive to quality sleep.

Achieving optimal sleep quality is within your grasp. Prioritize sleep as a fundamental aspect of your overall well-being, and you will reap the benefits of enhanced physical and mental health.

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Hand Hygiene

One of the most fundamental aspects of personal hygiene is proper hand hygiene. Our hands come into contact with numerous surfaces throughout the day, making them a breeding ground for germs. To maintain cleanliness, wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Additionally, carry a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol for situations when soap and water are not readily available.

Oral Hygiene

Maintaining good oral health not only ensures fresh breath but also contributes to overall health. Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Remember to clean your tongue as well to remove bacteria and prevent bad breath. Don’t forget to floss daily to remove food particles stuck between your teeth and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleaning.

Body Hygiene

Proper body hygiene is essential to eliminate body odor and prevent infections. Start by taking regular showers or baths using warm water and mild soap. Pay special attention to areas prone to sweating, such as underarms, feet, and groin. Use antiperspirants or deodorants to control body odor. Additionally, change your clothes and undergarments daily to maintain freshness.

Respiratory Hygiene

With the ongoing pandemic, respiratory hygiene has gained significant importance. Follow respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of used tissues properly and wash your hands immediately afterward. If you have symptoms of a respiratory illness, wear a mask to protect others from potential infection.

Food Hygiene

Maintaining proper food hygiene is vital to prevent foodborne illnesses. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling food and ensure that your cooking surfaces and utensils are clean. Keep raw and cooked foods separate to avoid cross-contamination. Cook food thoroughly, especially meat, poultry, and seafood, to kill any bacteria present. Refrigerate perishable foods promptly to inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms.

Environmental Hygiene

Maintaining a clean environment is crucial for your overall well-being. Keep your living spaces clean and tidy by regularly dusting, vacuuming, and disinfecting surfaces. Pay attention to frequently touched objects like doorknobs, light switches, and electronics. Properly ventilate your home to improve indoor air quality. Additionally, ensure that your bedding and towels are washed regularly.

Personal Hygiene

It extends beyond cleanliness. Pay attention to other aspects, such as grooming, nail care, and menstrual hygiene. Trim your nails regularly and keep them clean to prevent the accumulation of dirt and bacteria. Use appropriate menstrual products and change them regularly to avoid infections.

Practicing good hygiene is not only about looking presentable but also about maintaining good health. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of illnesses and promote a healthier lifestyle. Remember, good habits are simple yet effective, and they contribute to your overall well-being. Prioritize it, and enjoy the benefits of a clean and healthy life!

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Bladder cancer occurs when cancer cells begin to multiply on the inner membrane of this organ, the rapid growth of which leads to the formation of malignant tumors.

Most often, bladder cancer originates in the urothelium, the inner lining of the organ.

Tragic consequences can be avoided thanks to the timely diagnosis of cancer. If you do not consult a specialist, the disease can spread to the rest of the bladder and tissue of other internal organs.

The main problem in diagnosing bladder cancer is that at the initial stage, the symptoms of this terrible disease can be confused with the manifestations of other disorders.

That is why it is necessary to visit a doctor regularly. So that a specialist can monitor changes in the body, make a correct diagnosis, and prescribe effective treatment.

1. Blood in the urine

The presence of blood in the urine is one of the most common symptoms of early-stage bladder cancer:

• The amount of blood can be different every time, but, as a rule, when a malignant tumor develops in the bladder, a person periodically notices blood in the urine.
• In some patients, the urine is colored pale pink or reddish.
• These unpleasant symptoms may not stop for several weeks, but may appear and disappear suddenly.
• In some cases, the color of the urine of a patient with bladder cancer appears to be normal. However, during additional tests, doctors detect small blood remains.
• If the disease is not treated, the bloody discharge will continue to appear in the urine periodically.

2. Change of urination

This problem cannot be ignored either, because changes in urination indicate an inflammatory process in the body and can be one of the main symptoms of bladder cancer.

A sudden change in urination can indicate the initial stage of cancer, so when this unpleasant symptom appears, be sure to see a doctor for a diagnosis.

You need to seek the help of a specialist if you notice the following changes:

• Constant urge, even when the bladder is empty.
• A slow and weak stream of urine.
• Frequent urge to the toilet at night.
• Burning sensation during urination.

3. Pain in the lower back (only on one side)

Lower back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and of course, bladder cancer.

We often ignore back pain, considering the causes of its appearance to be banal overwork and muscle tension. However, regular and intense pain on one side of the lower back should alert you.

If the pain does not subside and is accompanied by changes in urine, we advise you to immediately consult a specialist.

4. Loss of appetite

There can be many reasons for rapid loss of appetite. However, one of the adverse factors affecting appetite is bladder cancer.

Patients with a malignant tumor in the bladder suffer from a constant feeling of heaviness in the body, due to which a person loses the desire to eat.

5. Rapid weight loss

Loss of appetite and stress due to the diagnosis of a malignant tumor can cause rapid weight loss to a critical point.

A deficiency of vitamins and nutrients in the body can negatively affect the work of all internal organs. Since the human immune system is weakened, the risk of developing cancer cells increases.

6. Inflammatory process

Fluid retention or the formation of edema are signs of an inflammatory process that occurs in the body when healthy organs are damaged by cancer cells.

In patients with bladder cancer, edema most often appears in the lower part of the body, in particular on the legs and in the abdomen, because the bladder loses its ability to remove excess fluid from the body.

7. Constant fatigue and anemia

Since patients with bladder cancer complain of a sudden loss of appetite, they may develop anemia, which causes a constant feeling of fatigue.

When the body does not receive the proper amount of nutrients, it stops producing the necessary amount of blood cells. In addition, the process of oxygen delivery to the cells of all internal organs becomes difficult, due to which a person feels mental and physical exhaustion in the body.

Of course, the symptoms we listed above can be evidence of minor disorders. However, if one or more signs of the disease appear, we advise you to contact a specialist who will be able to establish the correct diagnosis and, if necessary, prescribe treatment. Remember that it is always better to prevent a disease than to cure it.

As with other cancers, timely diagnosis of the disease is the key to recovery. Be careful and don’t forget to take care of your health!

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Although cognitive disorders are linked to factors such as genetics and age, certain daily habits can also influence their occurrence.

The problem is that many people do not know how to properly care for this organ and, despite the recommendations, keep certain habits that increase its aging.

As a result, it causes damage to neurons and brain tissue. This affects the brain’s abilities and interferes with the functions necessary for a good quality of life.

1. Consumption of excessive amounts of sugar

This ingredient, found in many foods in our diet, reduces the production of chemicals in the brain and affects its function over time.

Daily consumption of refined sugar is one of the causes of anxiety, depression, and dementia.

• Choose natural sweeteners such as honey, coconut sugar, or stevia.
• Check labels and choose alternatives with less sugar.

2. Skipping breakfast is bad for brain health

Eating a healthy breakfast every day is one of the most important habits for maintaining a strong, healthy, and youthful brain.

This meal, one of the most important, provides the body with a large content of necessary nutrients, which allows you to stay active throughout the day.

Skipping it or substituting unhealthy options can increase your risk of suffering from brain health disorders related to metabolism, memory, and emotional resilience.

In addition, given that the energy level is disturbed, the activity of neurons decreases, and concentration becomes difficult.

Plan your weekly breakfast and make sure it includes:

• vitamins
• minerals
• dietary fibers
• protein
• omega-3 fatty acids
• antioxidants

3. Smoking

These toxic substances accelerate the aging process of the brain and, in addition to increasing the risk of cancer, interfere with cognitive functions.

These also affect former smokers, who may develop conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

• Quit smoking as soon as possible and develop healthy habits to control anxiety.
• Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke.

4. Drinking water

Insufficient water consumption is one of the factors affecting the premature deterioration of brain tissue.

Dehydration lowers energy levels, affects mood, and makes concentration difficult.

This is because the brain is made up mostly of water, which means that its reduction interrupts its functions.

The lack of fluid also affects the health of blood circulation and therefore hinders the process of oxygenation in the brain cells.

• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.
• Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables that contain a lot of water.
• Choose teas, juices, and other natural drinks.

5. Bad sleep

Because the brain cannot rest for a sufficient period, the functions of the frontal lobe are reduced and affect creative thinking.

At the same time, the level of stress hormones increases, which reduces the ability to solve daily tasks.

• Sleep for at least 8 hours.
• Do not use electronic devices before going to bed.
• Eat a light dinner 2 or 3 hours before bed.

6. Impact of polluted environments

To perform all of its functions without interference, the brain needs a constant supply of oxygen to ensure that energy levels are maintained.

However, due to polluted environments, the transport of oxygen to cells can become difficult.

This reduces the efficiency of cognitive work, which increases the risk of diseases such as dementia.

• Avoid exposure to contaminated environments, and in case of exposure, take precautions.
• Try to walk in nature more often, where you can breathe in the fresh air.

As you can see, even if some habits seem harmless, they can have different consequences for brain health.

Try to eliminate these habits as soon as possible and follow our recommendations.

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The problem is that many factors can weaken bones and cause diseases that significantly impair the quality of life.

Osteoporosis is one of the problems that affect the bones the most. This is a consequence of bone loss.

Many people are at risk and can become victims of this disease without even realizing the real state of their health.

The fact is that at first osteoporosis does not have strong symptoms. Usually, the disease develops imperceptibly until the damage becomes much more serious.

Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent and treat osteoporosis. So you can avoid complications and irreversible damage.

1. Eat more milk dairy products

Regular consumption of dairy products is one of the best ways to strengthen and protect bones.

Such food contains a lot of calcium, a mineral important for the formation and strengthening of the skeletal system.

However, first, you need to determine if you are lactose intolerant. After all, if you suffer from this disorder, dairy products can be harmful, and you will have to look for an alternative to them.

2. Increase your consumption of green vegetables

Green leafy vegetables are a great source of calcium and other important nutrients that help build bones.

They are low in calories and contain many antioxidants that reduce the negative effects of free radicals.

Here are a few of the best:

• broccoli
• cabbage
• arugula
• parsley
• green salad

3. Eat dried fruits and nuts

Although dairy products are best known for their calcium content, this nutrient can also be consumed from plant-based foods.

Dried fruits and some seeds are rich in calcium and other minerals needed for bone health.

You can also get a good dose of calcium from:

• sunflower seeds
• peanuts
• walnuts
• chia seeds

4. Do not forget about vitamin D

Although calcium is the main nutrient needed for bone formation, it is important to remember that it is only absorbed when the body has enough vitamin D.

That is why it is important to consume foods that contain this vitamin and spend at least 15-20 minutes in the sun every day.

However, enjoy the sun’s rays only at a safe time of day and use appropriate products against sunburn and damage.

5. Forget about smoking and alcohol

Toxins contained in cigarettes and alcoholic beverages are harmful to the health of bones and other body systems.

Excessive consumption of these products impairs reflexes and increases the risk of falls and potential fractures.

In addition, they change the processes in the body, in particular the purification of the bloodstream, and can lead to the development of serious diseases.

6. Exercise regularly

Exercising is one of the most recommended ways to take care of your bones and joints.

If you stick to a regular training regimen, your bones become stronger, and the risk of injury and the chance of premature wear and tear of cartilage tissue are reduced.

Some exercises are specifically designed to improve bone health and prevent loss of bone mass.

7. Try to eat less sugar

As a result of excessive consumption of sugar and carbonated drinks, blood acidity increases, and bone density decreases.

Such food is very acidic for the body, so it is forced to use mineral reserves to balance the pH level.

Because calcium is spent on performing other tasks, the condition of bones and teeth deteriorates significantly.

In conclusion, we would like to point out that simply by improving your daily habits, you can reduce the risk of developing bone problems.

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If you learn how to breathe properly, expel mucus, improve lung ventilation and properly ventilate the room, you will see good results in no time.

Steam baths for cleansing the lungs

Do you know what steam baths are? These are deep breaths of vapors of medicinal plants, from which the lungs benefit. It is an excellent way to treat respiratory diseases in children and adults, and it also helps to clean the lungs, especially the lungs of smokers.

How to make a steam bath?

• Boil two liters of water together with such medicinal plants as pine, thyme, rosemary, eucalyptus, chamomile, or motherwort.
• After the decoction boils for 5-10 minutes, you will see that it releases aromatic vapors.
• Remove the pan from the heat, cover your head with a towel and bend over the pan (be careful not to bend too low to avoid getting burned by the excess hot steam).
• Inhale deeply through the mouth and nose, closing the left and right nostrils from time to time.

Get rid of mucous secretions

It’s normal to wake up in the morning feeling like you have excess mucus in your lungs, but sometimes it can lead to mucus plugs and prevent your bronchial tubes from breathing in the right amount of air.

Keep in mind that there are foods that increase mucus and should be removed from your diet, at least until you feel better.

Here are some foods to avoid:

• Milk and dairy products, especially cow’s milk. Replace it with plant-based dairy products.
• Flour and dishes containing it.

Learn to breathe properly

Usually, we do not breathe properly because we forget about it!

We breathe only as much as is necessary for survival, this greatly affects not only our lungs, which are used to working with a reduced load because of this but also the rest of the organs, since the supply of oxygen to all parts of the body is significantly more difficult.

How to learn to breathe correctly?

The most effective way is to engage in exercises such as yoga, meditation, or tai chi. Such exercises always emphasize breathing and even teach us to do it with different parts of the body: stomach, diaphragm, or chest.

Improvement of the night breathing

We usually sleep an average of eight hours a day or a third of our lives. Therefore, it is crucial that the bedroom is clean and ventilated.

How to do it?

• Ventilate the rooms in the house every day, and if you wish, leave your bedroom window partially open at night.
• If you can’t properly ventilate your home, at least leave your bedroom door open.
• Place plants that produce oxygen in your bedroom, such as golden pothos. The presence of one or two such plants in the bedroom helps to refresh the air for breathing.
• Avoid excessive humidity and odors in the house. Use dehumidifiers and electronic diffusers. However, the air in the bedroom should not be too dry.

Be sad less!

There is a psychosomatic connection between illness and long-term sadness.

Thus, any treatment must take into account the emotional component. Our emotions can be naturally improved with homeopathic remedies, such as the Bach method of healing or the professional help of a psychotherapist.

Dr. Bach’s scientific research on the treatment of negative emotional deviations testifies to the great effectiveness of flower infusions. Medicines developed by Bach are offered to people experiencing fear and uncertainty and are used both in emergency situations and in case of long-term nervous tension.

Classifying negative emotional deviations, Dr. Bach described emotional states for which he proposed primary homeopathic remedies known as “Bach’s Flower Recipes.”

Bach described 258 emotional states, and a suitable flower infusion is recommended for each of them. However, to stabilize the emotional state, Dr. Bach offers both single-component and multi-component infusions.

So, if you want to have fewer health problems – be sad less, smile more often, and be happy!

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However, losing weight is not an easy task. While many habits help achieve this goal, weight loss does not happen right away.

Fortunately, you do not need to follow a strict or dangerous diet. To do this, simply achieve a few simple daily habits to begin to notice changes.

1. Weight loss begins with healthy eating

Vegetables help to improve eating habits. For example, if you put fruits and vegetables on the table or have a handful of nuts on hand, it will reduce the tendency to consume high-calorie foods, such as fried and sweets.

2. Use small plates

Small plates are an interesting trick when you want to control the calories you consume with main dishes.

The portions served on such plates are smaller. However, because they take up all the space, the brain will think that these portions are enough to make you full.

3. Eat more fruits and vegetables

The high content of water, fiber, and antioxidants stimulates the removal of waste and prevents their interference in metabolism.

In addition, fruits and vegetables give extra energy to the body and increase its productivity both morally and physically.

In addition, they prolong the feeling of satiety and reduce the likelihood of consuming more calories than we need.

4. Eat slowly

The rapid eating of food reduces the rupture of chemicals that create a feeling of satiety and therefore leads to overeating.

Although some people do this subconsciously, you should try to slow down your eating so that it does not negatively affect your weight.

By allocating enough time to eating, you chew your food better and, as a result, prevent overeating.

5. Drink water and healthy drinks

Water moisturizes the body’s cells, improves the process of cleansing the excretory organs, and helps to stay full longer.

Teas with cleansing properties, green smoothies, and fruit waters are great options for maintaining a diet and losing weight.

6. Sleep well

People who are trying to lose a few pounds, of course, need to improve sleep quality because it is important to achieve good results.

While we sleep, important metabolic functions are activated. This, in turn, increases the secretion of hormones that control hunger.

Bad quality sleep or intermittent sleep increases appetite and increases the risk of obesity.

7. Do comprehensive exercise

Weight loss through exercising increases energy expenditure to burn fat more easily.

However, when combined with strength training and fitness, the quality of losing weight will be even greater.

8. Add seasonings to your dishes

Seasonings help stimulate the metabolism to lose weight.

Spices such as cayenne pepper and turmeric stimulate metabolic activity. This improves the processes that convert fat into energy.

As you can see, safely losing weight means developing simple habits that control appetite and increase metabolism. So, try to remember them and use them to maintain your healthy diet.

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Healthy fats that can lower cholesterol

Fried foods, butter, fatty cheeses, and some meat foods are high in saturated fats, which can increase cholesterol levels. However, there is another group of fats – healthy fats, which have the opposite effect on your body.

We are talking about polyunsaturated fats. They can give you the nutrients and energy your body needs and keep your cholesterol levels under control.

By knowing which ones are healthy, you can replace and reduce your saturated fat intake without eliminating anything from your diet.

1. Vegetable oils – healthy fats

However, it is not only olive oil that can provide your body with these nutrients. There is also oil from hazelnuts, canola, soybeans, and sesame seeds.

Also, do not forget about the healing properties of cold-pressed olive oil. Its consumption will help you control bad cholesterol. Moreover, it also has anti-inflammatory effects.

2. Alpha-linolenic acid in fish

It is the most important fatty acid among omega-3s. You can get it from fish as well as soy foods and sesame seeds.

It is very useful for you because the body is not able to produce it on its own. It prevents the accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries and maintains the health of your heart.

Among the fish that have the highest content of alpha-linolenic acid are:

• tuna
• salmon
• sardines
• herring

Although you can find all this in canned food, it is better to eat them in their natural state.

3. Do you need to gain muscle mass? Try cod liver oil which is healthy fats

This popular supplement contains a lot of omega-3s. For the most part, this fat promotes better protein synthesis, which allows you to increase muscle mass.

In addition, here are some of the benefits of such supplements:

• support your immune system
• promote bone growth
• improve blood clotting
• stimulate brain development

That is why this supplement is also recommended for the elderly.

4. Avocados contain healthy fats

Omega-6 fatty acids are found in many animal foods. However, one of the healthiest sources is avocado. This is one of the few fruits that have a high amount of polyunsaturated substances.

In addition to being very nutritious, avocados also improve their absorption.

5. Lentils also help lower cholesterol

Healthy fats in beans – it contains only 0.1 g of saturated fat per 100 grams.

These little legumes form a substance that attaches to cholesterol and helps remove it from the body. Therefore, lentils are considered the protector of your heart and the entire cardiovascular system.

In addition, red beans and green soybeans have similar properties to lentils.

Is fat bad?

Consuming a certain amount of fat is necessary for your organs to function properly. This macronutrient should not be considered an enemy.

Some nutritionists believe that 20 to 30% of your diet should consist of fat. However, this amount should be provided with unsaturated fats.

Benefits of consuming healthy fats in moderation:

• better insulin sensitivity
• regulate your metabolism
• increase muscle mass
• better reproductive health
• optimized brain function

So pay attention to the type of fatty acids you choose and enjoy better health!

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Until now, there are discussions around the coronavirus in children, and all due to a lack of reliable information.

What is the difference between the course of the disease in children and adults?

The course of the disease in children and adults is similar. Moreover, the older the child, the more similar to adults. The risk of complications in children is 25 times lower than in adults, and the risk of death is 500 times lower than in adults, that is, almost zero.

But it should be remembered that in children under 10 years of age, complications and severe course are more often observed than in older children.

The risk of thrombosis in children is much lower because they have healthier blood vessels and the blood clotting system works better.

On the other hand, children and teenagers are more likely than adults to develop multisystem inflammatory syndrome (Kawasaki syndrome). It occurs mainly 2-3 weeks after the coronavirus disease.

Kids are more likely than adults to suffer from coronary artery disease due to Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). Such children should be observed by a cardiologist within 2 months after recovery to monitor the state of the coronary vessels.

Is it true that new strains of coronavirus are more dangerous for children?

Today there are 8 strains of Sars-Cov-2, which constantly mutate and each mutation of the virus is more dangerous for humans. Mutated viruses lead to an increase in the number of severe forms. Moreover, younger groups of people are increasingly sick. So it can be argued that these new strains are more dangerous for children as well.

Is it true that newborns and infants under one-year-old are at risk?

Newborns and children under one year old belong to the risk group in terms of the likelihood of a severe course and the occurrence of complications. Therefore, they need special supervision. However, fortunately, in this group of children, such forms of the disease still occur much less frequently than in adults.

Is it safe to breastfeed a baby if the mom is sick with coronavirus?

Yes, all international institutions recommend that a mother breastfeed her baby. But you need to adhere to the necessary preventive measures, namely:

• Wash your hands with soap before putting the baby on your breast.
• In everyday life, if possible, try to maintain a distance of 2 meters from the baby’s crib and be sure to wear a protective mask, which must be changed every 2 hours.

What are post-COVID conditions observed in children?

The frequency and duration of post-COVID conditions in children have not yet been studied. There are single previous studies, but it is known that about 40% of children within 3 months after the disease may experience:

• fatigue,
• pain in muscles and joints,
• headache,
• insomnia,
• shortness of breath,
• tachycardia,
• fever up to 38.1-39°C for no reason.

Why is it important to talk to children about the coronavirus?

The COVID-19 virus is transmitted by airborne droplets, and children are more likely to become infected in the family than anywhere else. However, children are the same carriers of the coronavirus as adults.

It is not recommended for babies under 2 years old to wear protective masks, but older children need to use personal protective equipment.

Therefore, it is important to talk with children from 2 years old about the importance of adhering to the rules of prevention. Also, the need to refrain from touching the face with hands, and so on.

You also need to teach your child how to properly put on and wear a mask on the face, use disinfectants, and avoid contact with patients.

It is better to prevent the disease than to cure it later. Therefore, follow the rules of personal hygiene and teach this to your child. Be healthy!

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Diabetes can be of two types, but the most common is type 1 diabetes. This type of diabetes is insulin-dependent, which means that a person needs an external supply of insulin.

In general, type 1 diabetes is the most common, accounting for more than 90% of cases of diabetes diagnosed in children under fourteen years of age.

Diabetes is a disorder of the endocrine system characterized by the low production of insulin in the pancreas. So, it leads to the accumulation of high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood.

It is usually of autoimmune origin because the body itself destroys those cells of the pancreas that no longer function.

In other cases, insulin production may be normal, but cells cannot use it properly because of the defect. This mainly applies to type 2 diabetes.

Diagnosis of type 1 diabetes

The diagnosis of diabetes is to measure fasting plasma glucose level at or above 7.0 mmol/L (126 mg/dL). This is by the criteria of the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes, 2014.

On an empty stomach, blood glucose levels are high, so doctors will also perform other tests to confirm diabetes. They need to find out what type it is and rule out other conditions that also have hyperglycemia.

This is because the treatment of these diseases is different, and the prognosis will be worse if it is not diagnosed in time.

After diagnosis, the patient should begin treatment immediately to monitor blood glucose levels. Also, it helps prevent ketoacidosis. This is because it can complicate the prognosis.

Frequency and age of onset

Type 1 diabetes is increasingly common and usually manifests itself at the age of 1 day to 14 years. Doctors diagnose approximately 10-25 cases for every 100,000 children in this age range.

However, there is a significant increase in the number of children under 5 years.

Signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes

To avoid misdiagnosis, doctors measure blood glucose levels for at least two separate days. They believe that the result for type 1 diabetes is positive if:

• Blood sugar is more than 200 mg/dL.
• Blood glucose after eight hours of fasting is more than 126 mg/dL.
• Glycemia two hours after carbohydrate intake is more than 200 mg/dL.

Patients with diabetes usually have:

• Polyuria: they urinate a lot.
• Polydipsia: they drink a lot.
• Noticeable weight loss.

Therefore, a child with diabetes who comes to the emergency department usually has the following symptoms:

1. Polyuria, which sometimes leads to nocturnal incontinence.
2. Polydipsia.
3. Weight loss is partly due to ketosis (accumulation of acid radicals due to improper sugar metabolism), which in turn leads to extreme weight loss.
4. Sometimes there are nonspecific abdominal pain and even vomiting.
5. There is usually no temperature.
6. Significant reduction in general well-being in the form of drowsiness, weight loss, and inflamed eyes.
7. Rapid and shallow breathing through the mouth leads to a dry tongue.
8. Due to ketosis, the breath has the smell of green apples.
9. Normal blood pressure and central pulse.

Differential diagnoses of diabetes in children

Although the most common cause of hyperglycemia is diabetes, it is also important to consider the possibility of other diseases, such as:

• Cases of hyperglycemia and glycosuria (presence of glucose in the urine)
• Stroke
• Intravenous therapy
• Dehydration with high levels of sodium in the blood

Symptoms of ketoacidosis:

• Sudden and severe abdominal pain
• Acetylsalicylic acid poisoning (aspirin)
• Recurrent ketotic hypoglycemia

Symptoms of severe ketoacidosis:

• Acetylsalicylic acid poisoning (aspirin)
• Hypoglycemic coma
• Hyperosmolar coma
• Stroke
• Lactic acidosis

Treatment of diabetes in children

In general, the treatment of this disease is aimed at controlling the level of metabolism and avoiding acute and chronic complications. These are usually symptoms that can affect the development of children with diabetes.

The education of the child inside of the family is very important in the treatment of juvenile diabetes. This will allow them to control the disease and avoid complications.

Three main points in the treatment:

1. First, insulin provides adequate doses of this hormone because the body cannot produce or use it properly.
2. Second, a proper diet to avoid overloading the insulin system by regulating the contribution of carbohydrates to the body.
3. Third, exercise the muscles to increase glucose expenditure and balance what a person consumes with what they consume.

Fortunately, the treatment of it has changed significantly in recent years. The pharmaceutical industry offers all kinds of insulin. In general, there are medications with both fast and slow action, and they allow better control of this disease.

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