Type 1 diabetes, or juvenile diabetes is diagnosed in childhood. When the pancreas cannot produce insulin, the glucose in the blood cannot be converted to energy in the cells. This causes an excess of glucose in the blood. Type 2 diabetes, once only seen in adult populations, is now diagnosed in children. Blood sugar levels are elevated in type 2 diabetics as well, but the elevated blood glucose is due to the body's inability to respond to the insulin it has produced. Regardless of the diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes, many of the early symptoms experienced by diabetics are similar.
Frequent Urination
The kidneys respond to the excess glucose in the blood by flushing it out in the urine. Extra urine is required to manage this task. Parents notice their child voiding large volumes at frequent intervals. Bedwetting, due to an overproduction of urine, may be an early indicator of type 1 diabetes.
Thirst
Thirst accompanies diabetes primarily due to excess urination. This is a cyclical problem, though. The excess urination causes thirst, which leads to the consumption of large amounts of fluids, and in turn leads to more urination. The experts at Kids Health attribute the thirst to the body's attempt to manage blood sugar levels and prevent dehydration due to excess urination.
Weight Loss
Type 1 diabetics cannot convert glucose to energy effectively, or at all. The body still needs energy for daily activity and especially for growth. If glucose is unavailable, the body will get its energy from protein, both in the diet and from the muscles if necessary. Weight loss results if the child must utilize protein in the muscles for daily energy needs.
Extreme Fatigue
Glucose is the body's first choice for a quick source of energy. According to MayoClinic.com, fatigue occurs when the cells are deprived of sugar.
