In earlier days, all the cases of diabetes mellitus in children were considered type 1 diabetes mellitus, but nowadays, the number of children with type 2 diabetes mellitus is increasing alarmingly.
As the mechanisms for diabetes development is different in type 1 and type 2, there is some difference in symptoms as well.
Let’s see the common symptoms first, and then we will have a look at the differences.
One of the main reasons for this is the change in lifestyle (increased food intake and decreased activity levels) and increasing levels of obesity in children.

- Frequent urination - is a common symptom of diabetes mellitus, but is commonly missed too. Children may not notice it or may not tell about it to their parents. Bedwetting by a child who used to be dry at night earlier can be an indicator of diabetes mellitus.
- Excessive thirst and hunger - is another common symptom but usually goes unnoticed unless severe.
- Extreme fatigue - is commonly noticed symptom. But because many other illnesses may cause it, it doesn’t direct towards diabetes immediately, and it can delay the diagnosis.
- Weight loss despite good appetite - is another feature of diabetes, more commonly noticed in type 1 diabetes mellitus.
- The blurring of vision is also complained of by some children.
- Frequent urinary and skin infections are also suggestive of diabetes mellitus.
- Poor healing of skin wounds/cuts may be seen in children with diabetes.

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes in Children
Because of the almost complete lack of insulin in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus, the symptoms are usually pronounced in them. Apart from these, children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (diagnosed or not diagnosed) sometimes present with pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, which are suggestive of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious condition requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission and management.