Does Your Kid’s Breath Smell Fruity? – Fruity-smelling breath can be a symptom of Type 1 Diabetes in kids! It’s National Diabetes Awareness Month, and we’re helping you keep those kiddos safe right here on Newsymom!
This is Public Health is brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.
Diabetes is a huge issue here in the United States. In fact, about 37.3 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, with 8.5 million of those people walking around undiagnosed! (Fast Facts on Diabetes, CDC.gov)
To keep your entire family safe, watch out for these warning signs!
Warning Signs of Diabetes
- Increased thirst
- Extreme Hunger
- Fruity-smelling breath*
*Explained: Breath that tastes or smells like fruit, can indicate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a complication of Type 1 diabetes. DKA can also affect those with Type 2 diabetes, but it’s less common.
If you notice any of these symptoms, please contact your child’s pediatrician immediately!
The Highest At Risk Are…
These are the groups of people that are at highest risk. Keep an eye out for these groups:
- People younger than 45 who are overweight or obese and have one or more risk factors associated with diabetes
- Women who have had gestational diabetes
- People who have been diagnosed with prediabetes
- Children who are overweight or obese and who have a family history of type 2 diabetes or other risk factors
(Diabetes Prevention: 5 Tips for Taking Control, MayoClinic.org)
How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes in Your Family
There are tons of ways you can get your family involved in diabetes prevention! For starters, follow these practices to get your family at a lower risk:
- Take the Prediabetes test, available through the CDC: Take the Test – Prediabetes Risk Test
- Exercise more! Obesity and diabetes go hand-in-hand. Join your local YMCA, gym, and get the kids involved in active programs!
- Eat more healthy fats and plant foods. If you do this, you improve your gut function and can reach a healthy weight!
- Don’t follow the trending fad diets. Those are not good for you!
The Tuscarawas County Health Department wants you at your peak health! Call them at (330) 343-5555 x. 100 to get your kids’ physicals, vaccinations, and much more! You can also visit them at www.tchdnow.org to see what other services they offer you and your family.
Make sure to follow along on Facebook (@tchdnow) for the latest news and safety tips to keep your family in the best shape this winter!
Melissa Klatt
Reporting
