Diabetes is primarily characterized by elevated levels of blood sugar. Approximately 13,000 children and adolescents in the United States are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Moreover, Type 2 diabetes, once thought to appear only among adults, has been diagnosed among children and adolescents with increasing frequency since the 1990s, notes the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Darkened Patches of Skin
Type 2 diabetes prevents the body from properly utilizing insulin. Such insulin resistance may appear in the form of darkened skin patches around the neck and armpit areas. The darkened skin patches appear thick and feel velvety when touched, notes the National Diabetes Education Program. This condition is known as acanthosis nigricans.
Exhaustion
Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes prevent the body from making use of blood sugar, explains the National Diabetes Education Program. As such, both types of diabetes typically exhibit symptoms of exhaustion or fatigue.
Heightened Thirst and Frequent Urination
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes typically elevate the levels of blood sugar in the body. Excessive levels of blood sugar can cause dehydration, explains the Mayo Clinic. Diabetic children of both types thus have a tendency to drink more frequently and generally urinate more often than normal.
Impaired Vision
Elevated levels of blood sugar in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can drain fluid from the eyes, notes the Mayo Clinic. This may have an adverse effect on vision and may even lead to further eye-related complications such as retinopathy if left untreated over a long period of time, according to the National Diabetes Education Program.
Increased Hunger
Both types of diabetes elevate blood sugar levels in different ways. Type 1 diabetes precludes the body's ability to produce insulin, a hormone vital in utilizing blood sugar. On the other hand Type 2 diabetes impairs the body's ability to utilize insulin. Because the body is unable to utilize blood sugar for energy, the various organs and muscles become starved of energy. Hunger pangs thus increase in both intensity and frequency, notes the Mayo Clinic.
Loss of Weight
Despite increased food intake, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic children may actually lose weight. Weight loss is usually the result of fat and muscle being converted into energy because both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes prevent the body from properly utilizing blood sugar, explains the National Diabetes Education Program.
Moodiness and Irritability
Type 1 diabetes may cause mood swings and increase irritability. This moodiness is related to blood sugar levels, explains the National Diabetes Education Program.
Slow-Healing Wounds and Infections
Diabetes can affect the immune system in various ways. Type 1 diabetes may manifest symptoms such as genital yeast in females. Type 2 diabetes may slow the body's ability to heal wounds and sores, according to the Mayo Clinic.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Type 1 diabetes in children Symptoms
- Mayo Clinic: Type 2 diabetes in children Symptoms
- National Diabetes Education Program: Overview of Diabetes in Children and Adolescents
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Children and Diabetes — More Information
- MedlinePlus: Frequent or urgent urination
