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What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes in a Child?

Symptoms of diabetes in a child can range from the seemingly minor to the more extreme. It is impossible to tell just by looking at a child whether he has diabetes; a a doctor must make the diagnosis, including what type of diabetes he might have. If your child exhibits one or more of these symptoms, consider taking her to the doctor for evaluation.

  1. Fatigue

    • Fatigue is defined as excessive sleepiness, even after waking from a night of sleep or what should have been a restful nap. A child may show signs of fatigue after sleeping or after playing for a short time. Ultimately, as the parent, you will know whether this fatigue is normal for your child. Fatigue is one of the major symptoms associated with diabetes in a child.

    Excessive Thirst/Frequent Urination

    • Excessive thirst is one of the first signs medical providers ask about when trying to diagnose diabetes in a child. Excessive thirst may lead to frequent urination, or frequent urination may occur on its own. Also, look at the color of your child's urine. Very yellow urine may indicate that there is a problem. If your child is drinking more than usual and still seems thirsty, and has frequent urination needs, have him checked for diabetes.

    Increased Hunger

    • Children are known to have increased hunger when they are going through a growth spurt. However, if it seems that your child is hungrier than normal and not going through a growth spurt, it could be a symptom of diabetes and should be mentioned to a doctor.

    Sensations

    • Sensations such as numbness, pain, or tingling in the fingers, feet, hands and toes may indicate that diabetes is present in a child. A child may have difficulty describing these sensations, but you may take notice that she is walking oddly or having trouble with her fine motor skills.

    Headaches

    • Headaches are often a symptom of diabetes in a child. These headaches may be due to hunger, dehydration or increased blood pressure if they are a symptom of diabetes. Headaches usually occur in correlation with other diabetes symptoms.

    Infections

    • Some infections are normal in children. Yeast infections, rashes and other infections that are recurrent are not normal, however. These recurring infections could be due to diabetes and a child suffering from them should be seen by a physician.

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