Inability of the body either to produce sufficient amounts of insulin or to efficiently utilize the insulin produced leads to a health condition known as diabetes mellitus in children and adults. The former is type 1 diabetes whereas the latter is known as type 2 diabetes. Merck Manuals states that type 1 diabetes can develop even during infancy, however 6 to 13 remains the usual age when it begins. Type 2 diabetes on the other hand onsets during adolescence. Type 1 diabetes proves the most common in children, according to the World Health Organization.
Frequent Urination
Urinating frequently is one of the most common and early symptoms of a diabetic child. High glucose levels put undue pressure on the kidneys impeding its ability to optimally absorb glucose from urine. High glucose level in urine increases the osmotic pressure in it resulting in frequent urination, a condition referred to as polyuria. Bed-wetting is also a symptom of a child affected with diabetes.
Excessive Thirst
A diabetic child often feels excessively thirsty, says the Children With Diabetes website. Since her body is losing significant amount of body water due to frequent urination, she tries to compensate the loss by drinking water and other beverages in larger proportions. Along with water, her body also loses vitally essential body electrolytes that induce a feeling of thirst.
Excessive Appetite
Excessive appetite also indicates diabetes in children. The child tends to feel hungry more often than normal. Due to deficient insulin or inefficiency of energy producing cells to utilize insulin, the body becomes unable to produce sufficient amounts of required energy. This compels the body mechanism to intake more food characterized by excessive appetite.
Weight Loss
While there is an abundant volume of glucose present, it does not convert into energy or nutrition. This results in a child dropping pounds precipitously. Muscle fibers become eroded as well. It is one of the initial symptoms of diabetes in children. According to Health Scout, 35 American children receive a diagnosis of diabetes every 24 hours.
Slow Healing of Wounds
Due to high glucose levels in the blood, blood vessels tend to accumulate fats on their inner linings. This significantly reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients reaching damaged cells. High glucose levels also reduce the amount of water in cells and tissues; directly affecting the time period required for healing cuts and wounds. Moreover, high glucose levels also prevent the immune system from functioning properly. All these factors cumulatively increase the time required for healing wounds, says the Children With Diabetes.
Fatigue and Blurred Vision
Fatigue and weakness are other symptoms of diabetes in children. Although the energy is available in the form of glucose, the metabolic system becomes unable to break it down due to insulin deficiency. This tends to make the child fatigued. High levels of glucose also damage the blood vessels in eye's retina, affecting the child's vision significantly.
