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Adolescent Diabetes Symptoms

Type 1 diabetes, previously known as juvenile diabetes, is a lifelong autoimmune disease in which the pancreas stops making insulin. The body uses blood sugar, or glucose, to make energy. Without insulin, this isn't possible. So that the cells can get access to glucose, those with Type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International estimates that about 15,000 kids each year are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in the United States. Here are some symptoms to look for:

  1. Frequent Urination

    • Those with Type 1 diabetes will have lots of blood sugar (glucose) in their body that is not properly converted into energy by the pancreas. To rid the body of glucose, a person will urinate frequently and in large amounts. Though frequent urination can be a sign of many disorders, when combined with these other symptoms, a child should be tested for diabetes.

    Extreme Thirst

    • When excessive glucose builds up in the bloodstream, the kidneys are forced to flush it out through urination. The body's reaction to frequent urination is the need to rehydrate. The brain also receives signals to drink more fluids to dilute sugar levels and return them to normal.

    Fatigue

    • Since the body cannot properly convert glucose into energy, drowsiness and lethargy are symptoms of diabetes. Other causes of fatigue among adolescent diabetics include rapid weight loss and low blood pressure for some.

    Increased Appetite

    • Adolescents with Type 1 diabetes often feel hungry and cannot be easily satiated by eating. This is because the body cannot properly convert the blood sugar into energy.

    Weight Loss

    • As the body is no longer processing and using sugar normally, the body turns to fat and muscle for energy. Sudden weight loss occurs as the body depletes these other forms of energy.

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