Children who suffer from diabetes usually have type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, which is characterized by the pancreas no longer producing insulin, according to the National Library of Medicine. Insulin is needed in order to for the body's cells to utilize blood glucose--a primary source of energy. When it is missing, children will need to use insulin shots or use an insulin pump to provide the missing insulin. Children may also suffer from type 2 diabetes, which is usually characterized by insulin resistance, but this type not as common in children.
Increased Thirst
Children who have diabetes have excess sugar built up in the blood, as a result of the lack of insulin. According to the MayoClinic.com, this causes fluid to be pulled in from the tissues and will increase the sensation of thirst, which is the body's response to fix the balance. Excess thirst is accompanied with excess fluid intake, which in turn will also cause the child to have to urinate more often than usual.
Extreme Hunger
Insulin is needed to utilize blood sugar, and therefore without it, blood sugar does not reach the muscles and organs of the child. According to the MayoClinic.com, the organs and muscles become energy depleted and this in turn triggers intense hunger since the body thinks it is starving. Also, the tissues will use up all their energy supplies and fat stores will shrink, therefore causing weight loss to occur, despite the extra food intake.
Unusual Behavior
Children who have uncontrolled blood glucose levels may be irritable and moody, according to the National Library of Medicine. They may also be more fatigued, lethargic or complain of feeling tired all the time, which is the body's response to its cells being deprived of energy.
Blurred Vision
If the blood sugar is elevated for extended periods of time, blurred vision can occur, according to the MayoClinic.com. The elevated blood sugar causes fluid to be pulled from the lens of the eye. This may render the child undable to focus and see clearly.
