First 10 signs of diabetes in children

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body does not make enough hormonal insulin, resulting in high blood sugar levels. It is commonly diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood, and signs in children often include excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger and irritability.

Jump at the main dishes to remember.

1. Excessive evening

One of the main symptoms of type 1 diabetes is excessive or extreme thirst, called polydipsia. This thirst is unexplained and persists despite drinking water.

2. Frequent uniration

Frequently urgently, or polyuria, often accompanies excessive thirst. Frequent urination occurs when the kidneys work hard to filter excess glucose (sugar) in the blood, creating more urine in the process.

In infants, this may look like more frequent layers of diapers. In a child trained in the toilet, you may notice that they now wet the bed or their pants.

3. Increased room

The increase in hunger, known as hyperphagia or polyphagia, completes the “three p of diabetes”, as well as polydipsia and polyuria. Your child may have desires and be hungry despite a meal or a snack.

In diabetes, not having enough insulin prevents the body from taking blood glucose and using it for energy. When this happens, hunger signals are triggered by the brain, which is “hungry” for energy, even after eating.

4. Unexplained weight loss

When the body cannot properly use glucose for energy, it begins to burn fat and muscles. In addition, an excess of glucose in the blood is excreted in the urine, resulting in a loss of calories. These two factors can cause weight loss in people with diabetes.

Do not gain weight or undergo weight loss despite the consumption of calories enough calories could be signs of diabetes.

5. Fatigue

When glucose cannot enter the cells to provide energy, it can cause weakness and fatigue. If your child has more naps than usual or finds it difficult to keep their eyes open after eating, it could be an indication that your child suffers from diabetes.

6. irritability

The fluctuations in blood sugar, as well as the lack of glucose used for energy throughout the body, can lead to irritability, confusion and difficulties in concentrating.

If your child has frequent mood swings or seems more agitated than usual, diabetes is a potential explanation.

7. Fruity suffers

When blood sugar levels are too high for too long, acids called ketones can accumulate up to normal levels. This makes your breath feel fruity or as acetone, which is a sign of a dangerous complication of diabetes called diabetic ketoacidosis. See immediately a health care provider.

8. Belly pain

Children often complain about stomach pain, which could be due to various reasons. If belly pain is accompanied by other signs of diabetes, it is important to test a child.

9. Nausea or vomiting

Nausea and / or vomiting could have many different causes, especially in children. If your child experiences nausea or vomiting, it may be due to blood sugar problems. Especially if other signs of diabetes are present, it is preferable to consult a doctor immediately to determine the cause.

10. Dehydration

If it is not treated properly, excessive thirst and urination (the two common signs of diabetes) can cause dehydration. Signs of dehydration in babies and children include:

• Changes in stool
• Dry mouth
• Less than six wet layers per day or urinate less
• Little or no tears when you cry
• Play less than usual
• Sweet loss of the head (Fontanel)

What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body mistakenly attacks its own cells in the pancreas, called beta cells, which make insulin. It represents approximately 5% to 10% of all diabetes diagnoses.

In type 1 diabetes, the body is very little or no insulin. This leads to dangerously high blood sugar levels. Insulin is a daily treatment required for people with type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It occurs when the body does not respond properly to insulin (called insulin resistance) or that the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to compensate for this. Treatment of type 2 diabetes generally includes lifestyle changes and can also include drugs.

What are the causes of type 1 diabetes in children?

The cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, although experts think that there can be certain genes that can lead to the development of type 1 diabetes when there are certain environmental factors present.

Risk factors for children developing type 1 diabetes include:

• Family and genetic history: Having a parent or a brother or a sister with type 1 diabetes increases your risk. Having certain genes can also increase your risk.
• Environmental factors: Various viruses, environmental toxins or changes in the intestinal microbiome (the community of microbes in your intestine) can trigger the autoimmune reaction of the body.
• Age: Type 1 diabetes is commonly diagnosed between 10 and 14 years old.

Type 1 diabetes is more commonly diagnosed in the United States in white children of non-Hispanic origin compared to other ethnic or racial groups.

How do you manage diabetes in children?

Management includes:

• Insulin: Children with type 1 diabetes must have insulin administered daily. This can be done via injections or with an insulin pump. Your child’s health care provider may prescribe additional medicines to manage their blood sugar.
• Check blood sugar: Verification of your child’s blood sugar is often necessary to determine the amount of insulin to give. You can use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or a glueometer to check these levels. You will also learn to detect ketones in the urine.
• Count the carbohydrates and the meal calendar: Treatment will also include learning to count carbohydrates and synchronization meals for appropriate doses of insulin.

Lifestyle measures include:

• Get a good nutrition
• Stay physically active
• Sleep with enough

Work with your child’s health team to create a treatment plan. Educating family members, friends, teachers and others who regularly interact with your child on diabetes can help them better understand your child’s condition and offer support.

Can type 1 diabetes be avoided?

Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent type of diabetes. However, researchers are actively looking for ways to delay or prevent type 1 diabetes.

An injectable drug called Tzield (Teplizumab) was approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2022 to help delay the symptoms of type 1 diabetes or the need for insulin injections. It is for children aged 8 and over who are at high risk or who are in the early stages of type 1 diabetes.

When to see a health care provider

Look for a doctor if you notice one of the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes in your child. A simple blood test can help determine if your child suffers from diabetes.

If your child has already received a diagnosis of diabetes, contact their health care provider if they:

Main to remember

• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition affecting insulin production which is commonly diagnosed in children and adolescents.
• Signs of diabetes in children often include excessive thirst, frequent urination (including the upper bed), increased hunger, fatigue, irritability, unexplained weight loss, fruity breathing, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and dehydration.
• Find medical care immediately if your child has type 1 diabetes symptoms so you can start managing the condition.