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Signs of Type 1 Diabetes in Children

Type 1 diabetes, commonly called juvenile diabetes because it usually first appears in children, occurs when the pancreas loses its ability to create insulin. Once a child has type 1 diabetes, he will need lifelong insulin supplementation with injections or a pump in order to control blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes has several definitive signs.

  1. Frequent Urination

    • Children with type 1 diabetes urinate frequently, because the kidneys are working to flush glucose out of the bloodstream.

    Thirst

    • Because of the frequent urination, children start becoming dehydrated and feel unusually thirsty.

    Bedwetting

    • These two issues can lead to bedwetting in children who had not experienced any recent problems.

    Weight Loss

    • Another sign of type 1 diabetes in children is weight loss despite having a good appetite.

    Failure to Gain Weight

    • Children with type 1 diabetes also may fail to gain weight as they grow taller.

    Fatigue

    • A further sign of type 1 diabetes is when a child often feels tired for no apparent reason. Diabetes causes the body to have difficulty using glucose for energy.

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