Information about a Chinese boy diagnosed with diabetes at just 4 years old, who has had to inject insulin four times a day for the past nine years and cannot sleep without medication, has touched many hearts.

According to his mother, since he was 4 years old, the boy showed symptoms such as frequent hunger, excessive urination, constant thirst, and fatigue, with his breath having a fruity smell despite thorough brushing. After medical tests, he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, which shocked the entire family. It was even more surprising when the doctor said, "It’s all because of the family," explaining the boy's condition.

It turned out that the boy’s family had a history of this disease — from his grandfather to his father and uncle, all had type 1 diabetes. However, both his mother and grandmother underestimated the risk, believing diabetes is not hereditary and that it is an "adult disease." Furthermore, the boy had a diet excessively high in sugary foods from a young age. After his parents divorced, he lived with his grandmother. Seeing his fondness for soda and sweets, she let him consume these daily. The mother, busy with work and rarely visiting, would send money to buy whatever her son liked, without worrying that he had been drinking soda instead of water for years.

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Be Careful of High-Risk Factors for Diabetes!

The boy’s treating doctor said many people mistakenly believe diabetes is not hereditary, as in this family’s case. But in reality, type 1 diabetes has a strong genetic component. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, usually due to a combination of inherited genes and environmental factors such as high sugar intake or infections.

Children who carry risk genes are more likely to develop the disease early if exposed to triggering factors, such as consuming high-sugar foods. Although genetics cannot be changed, controlling diet and lifestyle can help reduce the risk or delay the onset of the disease. However, this boy not only had inherited genes but also an unhealthy diet, making it difficult to avoid developing type 1 diabetes.

Because sugary soft drinks contain large amounts of fructose, they cause rapid increases in blood sugar, putting pressure on the pancreas. In children, whose metabolism is still immature, frequent consumption of sugary drinks can disrupt glucose metabolism, promote insulin resistance, and worsen diabetes, especially in those with a family history. Additionally, doctors remind that sugary drinks lack nutrition and contribute to obesity — a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. For children, whether type 1 or type 2 diabetes, the long-term effects are more severe and can cause damage to the kidneys, eyes, or nerves if the disease is not controlled.

The boy’s family shared his case to raise awareness about the responsibility of protecting children’s health and not neglecting genetic diseases. Doctors also emphasize that although family history is an unchangeable factor, a healthy lifestyle can help control or reduce the risk of diabetes. Therefore, whether or not a child has a genetic history, it is important to maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and monitor health periodically. If any abnormal signs appear, consult medical professionals promptly instead of being complacent.