Warning Signs of Diabetes in Children

Diabetes is a disorder that affects how the body uses glucose, also known as blood sugar. When people eat, food is broken down by the digestive system into glucose, which is what the body uses as fuel for growth and energy. Body cells access glucose via the bloodstream. But for the glucose to enter cells in the body, there must be insulin present, which is produced by the pancreas. Normally, the pancreas produces the correct amount of insulin to facilitate the movement of insulin into body cells, but for people with diabetes, the pancreas produces no insulin or not enough insulin, causing glucose to build up in the bloodstream and body cells unable to utilize it. Because diabetes is a serious disorder, the warning signs should be watched for in children.

Type 1 Diabetes

For type 1 diabetes in children, the pancreas is not producing insulin, which means that body cells are not getting the necessary glucose. Signs and symptoms include increased urination and thirst. Extreme hunger is a sign because the body cells are getting starved of energy. Weight loss is another warning sign, and the weight loss could be rapid. Weight loss that is unexplained is often the first sign of diabetes in children that is noticed. Moodiness, irritability, blurred vision and fatigue are additional warning signs of type 1 diabetes in children. For young girls, the first sign of type 1 diabetes can be a yeast infection.

Type 2 Diabetes

For type 2 diabetes in children, the pancreas is producing enough insulin, but the body cells are not able to effectively use it to get glucose. Many of the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes in children are similar to type 1 diabetes, although there are some additional symptoms. Similar warning signs and symptoms include increased urination and thirst, weight loss, increased hunger, fatigue and blurred vision. For type 2 diabetes, there are additional signs and symptoms of frequent infections and slow-healing sores. Also, there can be areas of darkened skin, usually in the neck and armpits.

Babies and Young Children

The first warning sign of diabetes in young children and babies can be a yeast infection that results in a diaper rash that is much worse than the normal diaper rash, which can be characterized with skin that is puffy, tender and red. Abdominal pain, lethargy and dehydration are additional warning signs of diabetes.