Type 1 diabetes is the type most common in children under the age of ten, according to the National Diabetes Education Program. It develops suddenly and occurs when the cells that make insulin in the pancreas are attacked by the immune system and destroyed. Without insulin, glucose can't enter cells where it's needed to supply energy, and levels of glucose in the bloodstream rises, a condition called hyperglycemia. Undiagnosed diabetes in children causes serious complications, some life threatening.
Dehydration
Dehydration affects children with undiagnosed diabetes because the kidneys excrete an increased amount of fluid to try and dilute the high levels of glucose in the blood. Increased urination, or polyuria, follows. The increased fluid loss leads to dehydration, so the child drinks excessively to try and replace the lost fluids, a condition called polydipsia. Dehydration can also cause blurred vision as the lens of the eye dries out, interfering with the ability to focus, MayoClinic.com explains.
Weight Loss
Weight loss can occur rapidly when a child has undiagnosed diabetes. Because the muscles and tissues aren't receiving energy from glucose, extreme hunger, called polyphagia, results, but weight loss continues despite the increase food intake. Weight loss occurs because of the increased urine production and the large number of calories lost in the urine, the Merck Manual explains. If ketoacidosis develops, weight loss accelerates because of the breakdown of fat cells for energy. Fatigue occurs due to the lack of glucose in the cells.
Ketoacidosis
Children with undiagnosed diabetes become acidotic, meaning their blood becomes too acidic. Because the cells can't obtain nutrition from glucose, they turn to an alternative source of energy, breaking down fat cells for energy. A byproduct of fat cell breakdown, ketones, makes the blood too acidic. Acidosis causes a number of potentially life-threatening symptoms.
A child in ketoacidosis may complain of abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, leading parents to think the child has a gastrointestinal illness. However, frequent urination accompanies the symptoms, unlike a normal gastrointestinal infection, where urination decreases due to dehydration, the National Diabetes Education Program explains. Restlessness, confusion and skin flushing often occur. His breath may smell like nail polish remover, a sweet, fruity smell. As ketoacidosis progresses, the child breathe rapidly and deeply in an attempt to "blow off" the extra acid. Ketoacidosis may be the first sign of Type 1 diabetes in a child.
Diabetic Coma
Coma and death can follow rapidly if ketoacidosis, a medical emergency, isn't treated promptly. Insulin and fluids are administered intravenously to allow cells to absorb glucose and stop the breakdown of fat cells.
