Neonatal diabetes mellitus facts for kids

Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is a rare type of diabetes that affects babies. It starts during the first six months of a baby's life. Babies with NDM don't make enough insulin. Insulin is a very important hormone that helps your body use sugar (glucose) for energy. When there isn't enough insulin, too much sugar stays in the blood, which can cause health problems.

NDM is sometimes confused with Type 1 diabetes, which is more common. However, Type 1 diabetes usually starts after a baby is six months old. For about 60% of babies with NDM, this condition will last their entire lives.

What Is Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus?

Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is a special kind of diabetes that shows up very early. It means a baby's body isn't able to control its blood sugar levels properly. This happens because the pancreas, an organ in the belly, doesn't produce enough insulin. Insulin acts like a key that unlocks cells, allowing sugar to enter and be used for energy. Without enough insulin, sugar builds up in the blood.

Why Do Babies Get NDM?

NDM is usually caused by changes, called mutations, in certain genes. These genes are important for how the pancreas makes or releases insulin. Because it's often linked to gene changes, NDM is different from Type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks the cells that make insulin.

Signs and Symptoms of NDM

Babies with neonatal diabetes mellitus often show certain signs that can help doctors figure out what's happening. These symptoms are usually related to high blood sugar.

Common Symptoms to Look For

• Feeling very thirsty: Babies might drink a lot more than usual because their bodies are trying to get rid of extra sugar through urine.
• Peeing a lot: High blood sugar makes the kidneys work harder to remove sugar, which means more trips to the diaper. This can lead to dehydration.
• Dehydration: Losing too much fluid through frequent peeing can make a baby dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, fewer wet diapers, and crying without tears.

Growth and Development Challenges

Many babies with NDM don't grow as much as they should before they are born. This means they might be much smaller than other newborns. After birth, they might not gain weight or grow as quickly as other babies their age. This slow growth is often because their bodies can't use sugar for energy properly.

Diagnosing and Treating NDM

Doctors diagnose NDM by checking a baby's blood sugar levels and doing genetic tests to look for the specific gene changes. Once diagnosed, treatment usually involves giving the baby insulin. This can be done through injections or sometimes with special pumps that deliver insulin continuously.

Long-Term Outlook for NDM

For some babies, NDM is temporary and goes away after a few months or years. This is called transient NDM. However, for most, it's a lifelong condition. Even if it goes away, it might come back later in life. Managing NDM means carefully monitoring blood sugar levels and adjusting insulin doses to keep the baby healthy and growing well.

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  Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus (NDM)