Diabetes Symptoms in Children
Children can develop several types of diabetes including one which involves the kidneys’ inability to retain water. These types of diabetes are:
- Type 1 diabetes – also known as juvenile diabetes or early onset diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes – also known as insulin resistant diabetes
- Diabetes Insipidus – sometimes referred to as “water” diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
This is the form of diabetes which is referred to commonly as juvenile diabetes. This diabetes usually appears in children between the ages of 9 to 14 years of age. Type 1 diabetes is believed to be caused by genetic markers as it tends to run in families. But there are others who believe is it caused by an autoimmune response triggered by a virus or a bacterial infection. No matter what the cause, the results damage or destroy the Beta islet cells located in the pancreas. It is these cells which normally secrete insulin. Insulin is needed in the body to metabolize sugar in the blood stream so that it can be used by all the cells in the body as fuel or energy. Children who are diagnosed with juvenile diabetes will need to be on some sort of insulin therapy for their entire life.
Symptoms to look for in your child are:
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Constant hunger
- Significant weight loss even when constantly eating
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Fruity odor to breath
- Absence of menstruation in girls
- Bed-wetting
It is important to remember that a child who might have juvenile diabetes will not always have all of the above symptoms, in fact some may not have any. This is a reason to always have regular medical checkups.
Type 1 diabetes is a very serious chronic condition and should be treated immediately. Onset of type 1 diabetes is very rapid so a parent should not dismiss any of these symptoms as just the needs of a growing child. If a parent suspects there is a problem they should seek medical attention for the child or adolescent as quickly as possible.
Type 2 Diabetes
This diabetes is caused by damaged receptors on the surface of cells which do not recognize insulin. This is why it is sometimes referred to as “insulin resistant diabetes”. Children who develop this form of diabetes can often have no symptoms as the blood sugar level has been rising slowly. A child can have Type-1 diabetes for months or years before being diagnosed. If there are any symptoms, they commonly include:
- Slight increase in frequency of urination. If your child is toilet trained, he/she may start wetting the bed at night or even during naps.
- Slight increase in thirst.
Other possible symptoms to be aware of are:
- Increased tiredness
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Wounds or sores which are slow to heal
- Frequent infections
- Weight loss.
If you notice many of these symptoms in your child, they need medical attention. You doctor will need to run some blood test in order to make the diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes insipidus
This is a form of diabetes which does not affect the blood system but instead involves the water retained by the kidneys. It is often referred to as “water diabetes”. This is a very rare condition.
Central diabetes insipidus occurs when there has been some damage to the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus due to head injury, infection, cancer or surgery.
The other form of diabetes insipidus is known as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and occurs when the kidneys are unable to respond to the antidiuretic hormone (ADH). This is usually caused by a blockage in the urinary tract, use of certain medications, high levels of calcium or low levels of potassium. This disease is very rare. Symptoms of diabetic insipidus in a child include:
- Excessive urine production
- Excessive thirst
- Dehydration
Infants who have diabetes insipidus may as well exhibit the following symptoms:
- Irritability
- Failure to grow
- Poor feeding
- High fevers
These symptoms may resemble many other medical conditions so a medical professional will need to diagnose this condition. This disease can lead to dehydration very quickly – if you believe this is happening to your child seek medical attention immediately.
