A child that develops persistently high blood sugar levels can be diagnosed with a medical condition called type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, which was formerly referred to as juvenile diabetes, is diagnosed in over 15,000 juveniles in the United States each year, according to estimates provided by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International. A juvenile that develops any diabetes symptoms should receive additional evaluation and care from a pediatrician.
Fruity or Sweet Breath
Juveniles who have unusually high blood sugar levels within their blood can exhibit abnormally sweet or fruity breath as a symptom of diabetes, report health officials at MedlinePlus, a medical information website supported by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. This diabetes symptom is also a sign of a diabetic complication called ketoacidosis and requires immediate medical attention.
Increased Urination or Thirst
When blood sugar levels become too high, the kidneys begin to produce unusually large volumes of fluid to rid the body of this toxic sugar buildup. As a result, juveniles with diabetes can experience increased urination as a symptom of this condition, explains the Better Health Channel, a health information resource provided by the Australian government. If the body loses unusually large amounts of fluid due to increased urination, children with diabetes can also experience increased thirst. This occurs because the body needs to replenish the fluid that is lost through urination.
Weight Loss
A child's body can't effectively use excess sugar in the blood to create the energy that the body needs to support its daily functions and activities. When this occurs, a juvenile's body begins to break down muscle cells and stored fat cells to provide the body with the energy it needs. The breakdown of muscle and fat can cause significant, unexplained weight loss in juveniles with diabetes, explains MedlinePlus. Children with this condition can experience weight loss despite having a healthy or increased appetite.
Extreme Fatigue
Extreme fatigue or lethargy can occur as a diabetes symptom in juveniles, reports the JDFR. The body is unable to use high blood levels of sugar for energy, which means that a child will not have the energy he needs to perform his usual daily activities. As a result, he can appear unusually tired throughout the day or may sleep later than usual in the morning.
Yeast Infection
Certain juveniles--especially females--can develop yeast infection symptoms as a sign of diabetes, explains MayoClinic.com. Naturally-occurring yeast and bacteria within the body survive on sugar. High levels of sugar within the body can cause yeast overgrowth, which can lead to the emergence of yeast infection symptoms. Juveniles who develop unusual genital itching; thick, white genital discharge; or white, fuzzy skin lesions in the mouth should be evaluated by a medical professional. A child with a yeast infection caused by diabetes may require antifungal medication to resolve infection symptoms.
