THEto diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus in a child It can be a moment of great loss for parents. It is important to know, however, that, with the right information and adequate support, It is absolutely possible to face this challenge. Moreover, scientific research is constantly evolving and technology offers continuous monitoring devices, which simplify the management of the disease. Also, in the set of supports, there is also a very important one, paid by INPS.
Diabetes like 1 Children: Automatic INPS allowance
With the updating of the INPS guidelines for the evaluation of the various disabilities New and important provisions have been introduced which aim to provide more effective economic and welfare support for families who must compare with this difficulty. One of these It is the accompanying allowance, automatically paid to children and teenagers with type 1 diabetes under the age of 14. This contribution, equal to 542 euros per month, 6,504 euros per year, represents a significant increase compared to the previous frequency allowance, which amounted to 336 euros per month for nine school months.
Up to 14 years, then new evaluation
The contribution comes until the age of 14: At that point the INPS will carry out a specific evaluation To determine whether to maintain the accompanying allowance until the age of majority or whether to move on to the frequency allowance, the support for families of invalid minors. It is important to underline that, in any case, up to 18 years the condition of serious disability of the minor remains confirmed. This guarantees parents the opportunity to continue benefiting from paid work permits (up to three days a month) and extraordinary leave for assistance to the child.
Diabetes in children must be carefully monitored (Getty)
Diabetes like 1 children: causes and diffusion
Type 1, DMT1, diabetes mellitus, It is a chronic disease that affects mainly in pediatric age. It represents less than 10% of all forms of diabetes mellitus, with a prevalence of about 0.5%. In Italy, around 20,000 children and teenagers are estimated to be affected by DMT1. The main cause is the destruction, due to autoimmune mechanisms, of the beta cells of the pancreas, which produce insulin.
Complex management and support need
The management of type 1 diabetes is complex and requires a constant commitment by the patient, family and school. Glycemic self -control is fundamental and requires pluriquotid measurements of blood sugar, interpretation of results and corrective actions. Insulin therapy is essential to maintain good metabolic compensation and prevent complications.
The importance of the role of the family and the school
The familyObviously, plays a crucial role in the management of the minor diabetes: In fact, it must provide practical, but also emotional support. In the same way, too The school plays an important role in accepting diabetes and nutritional education. And, in this sense, it is essential that school staff is trained to manage any emergencies.
Evaluation of the validity
On the basis of the considerations of the upper medical commission, which He believes that minors with diabetes mellito needs continuous assistance and that the ability to independently manage therapy is linked to psycho-physical maturation, INPS defined the following guidelines for the evaluation of the validity:
- Recognize the need for continuous assistance for minors up to 14 years, guaranteeing the accompanying allowance.
- Between 14 and 18 years, recognizing the difficulties in carrying out the typical tasks of the age, guaranteeing the frequency allowance and evaluating the accompanying allowance on a case -by -case basis.
The goal of these measures It is to guarantee minors with DMT1 the assistance necessary for full integration into society and in the world of work.
How it manifests itself, the symptoms of diabetes in children
THE First alarm signs of type 1 type diabetes mellitus in childrenare often neglected, since most of the time, they manifest themselves gradually and can be confused with other common conditions. In order not to waste timehowever, given that early diagnosis is essential to prevent serious complications, it is very important pay attention to a series of symptomswhich are:
- Intense thirst (Polyidipsia): The child drinks more than usual and always is thirsty, even after drinking a lot.
- Frequent urination (polyuria): The child urinates more often than usual, even at night, and can start wet the bed again.
- Inexplicable weight loss: The child loses weight without apparent reason, despite eating normally or even more.
- Increase in appetite (polyphagia): The child is always hungry and eats more, but continues to lose weight.
- Tiredness and weakness: The child is always tired and weak, even after having rested.
- Clouded view: The child can complain of seeing blurred or having difficulty focusing on.
- Frequent infections: The child can be more subject to infections, such as leather or urinary tract infections.
- Fruity breath: The child’s breath can have a sweet smell, similar to that of ripe fruit.
The importance of early diagnosis
If a parent suspects that his child may have type 1 diabetes mellitus, It is essential to act promptlywithout waiting for the symptoms to get worse. Your pediatrician must be consulted immediately To describe the observed symptoms in detail, including frequency and intensity.
At that point, the doctor will prescribe necessary exams to make the child do. If the diagnosis of diabetes is confirmed, Carefully follow the doctor’s indications regarding the treatment. Last thing, can provide precious emotional and practical help For parents, join support groups for families of children with diabetes. In fact, patient associations offer information, resources and the possibility of feeling less alone.
I woman © RESERVED REPRODUCTION

