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Diabetes in Babies

A diagnosis of diabetes in infants can be frightening and shocking for parents, but understanding the disease and working with your doctor to create a plan for managing it can alleviate your anxiety and reduce your baby's risk of developing complications.

  1. Type

    • Most babies with diabetes have type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks the pancreas' insulin-producing cells.

    Cause

    • The cause of type 1 diabetes is not completely understood; while there does appear to be a genetic link, most babies diagnosed with type 1 diabetes have no history of the disease in their family.

    Signs

    • Signs of diabetes include increased thirst and appetite, frequent urination, excessive wet diapers, constant or recurring diaper rash, fussiness, sudden weight loss and breath that smells fruity or sweet.

    Secondary Diabetes

    • Babies can also be affected by secondary diabetes, which is diabetes that occurs because of another medical condition. Infant diabetes can result from Down syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, Turner syndrome, leprechaunism or a pancreatectomy.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for diabetes in infants will include daily monitoring of glucose levels, regular insulin injections, and a special diet.

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