An unusually high level of sugar within a child's blood is a common sign of diabetes. Without treatment, excess sugar in the blood can damage a child's blood vessels, which can lead to a number of medical complications including nerve or vision problems. A parent or caregiver who observes high blood sugar symptoms in their child should contact a medical professional as soon as possible.
Frequent or Increased Urination
Sugar that accumulates within a child's bloodstream is toxic to the child's body. As a result, the kidneys begin to work harder to remove this toxin from the bloodstream. Waste removed by the kidneys is then excreted by the body in the form of urine. Children with abnormally high levels of sugar in their blood can experience more frequent urination as a symptom of this condition, reports the Merck Manual, an online medical encyclopedia for patients and caregivers. While urinating, a child with high sugar levels may also excrete unusually large volumes of fluid. A frequent urge to urinate can cause children to wet their pants or bed more frequently than usual. An older child with this condition may need to use the bathroom more often than normal. These symptoms of high blood sugar can also be signs of a urinary tract infection. Children who develop these symptoms should receive further evaluation and care from a medication professional.
Extreme Hunger or Thirst
Increased fluid loss due to excessive urination can cause elevated thirst in children with high blood sugar levels, explains KidsHealth, a children's health information website supported by the Nemours Foundation. Children with this condition are also at an increased risk of becoming dehydrated due to poor replenishment of lost fluids. Excess sugar within a child's blood can't be used to produce energy. Consequently, children with this condition also experience extreme hunger as a symptom. A child may ask for a snack or complain of hunger even after eating a normal meal.
Fatigue
Fatigue can emerge as a symptom of high blood sugar in affected children, report medical experts at MayoClinic.com. A child's body can't use the excessively high levels of sugar in their blood for energy. As a result, the child's body does not have the energy it needs to perform usual daily activities, such as walking, paying attention in school or playing on the playground. A parent or caregiver may notice that a child with this condition takes frequent naps throughout the day or is difficult to get out of bed in the morning. Excessive fatigue can also impact a child's ability to remain alert and focused while at school, and can contribute to declining grades.
Weight Loss
When a child's body can't use sugar for energy, it begins to break down muscle and fat cells to fuel the body. If this occurs, children with high blood sugar levels can experience significant unintended weight loss as a symptom of this condition, explains KidsHealth. Children who exhibit sudden weight loss should receive further evaluation and care from a pediatrician as soon as possible.
