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Diabetes Symptoms in Kids

When young children are diagnosed with diabetes, it is Type I, which is also called juvenile diabetes. When kids are diagnosed with Type I diabetes, it means the body isn't producing enough insulin, which is a hormone that takes glucose and carbohydrates and converts them into energy. Although the symptoms seem to show up quickly, it takes longer for the disease to develop.

  1. Genereal Symptoms

    • A few things to look for are excessive thirst, hunger or urination, losing weight, fatigue, yeast infections, and blurred vision.

    Medical Attention

    • If your child shows any of the symptoms of diabetes, it is important that you take him to the doctor. If Type I diabetes goes untreated, it could lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, which could cause death.

    Treating diabetes in kids

    • Treat Type I diabetes with insulin, which is injected daily. Some patients find they need less insulin after they begin injections, but they should continue taking the insulin. This is just a short phase.

    Risks

    • Having Type 1 diabetes could increase your child's risk for heart disease, blindness or kidney damage.

    Testing

    • A glucose tolerance test will determine how the body processes glucose and a blood test will determine the level of glucose in the blood.

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