Diabetes Symptoms in Small Children

In the United States, more than 186,000 children and teens under the age of 20 have been diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes symptoms in infants, toddlers and preschoolers are rare. Only 1 percent of diabetes cases develop during infancy, and less than 10 percent of diabetes cases are diagnosed before a child turns 5 years old.

Low Blood Sugar

• Symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in an infant or young child include crying, fussing and irritability, pale skin, sweating, crankiness, trembling or shaking. The baby or young child may also have fingers and toes that appear to have a bluish tinge; this symptom is called cyanosis.

Seizures

• Infants and young children with very low blood sugar levels may experience seizures and even lose consciousness. If an infant or young child has these symptoms, parents should call an ambulance or visit the emergency room for treatment.

High Blood Sugar

• Infants and young children with high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) often become very thirsty, urinate a lot (wetting many more diapers than usual) and appear tired.

Ketoacidosis

• Infants and young children with dangerously high blood sugar levels may have fruity-smelling breath, vomiting and pain in the abdomen. If an infant or young child has these symptoms, parents should call an ambulance or visit the emergency room, since ketoacidosis can be life-threatening.

Overweight

• Young children who develop type 2 diabetes are usually overweight or obese, have family members with diabetes and have problems regulating insulin levels, a condition called insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes is rare in young children.