Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is the second most common chronic childhood illness. Though not commonly diagnosed in the first year of life, it does occur, and identifying it early improves long-term outcomes.
Caregivers and doctors often attribute infant symptoms to other illnesses, reports the National Institutes of Health. Since an infant can not voice how he is feeling, parents must be keenly aware of any disruptions in his health.
Increased Thirst and Urination
Medically known as polydipsia and polyuria, increased thirst and frequent urination are classic signs of diabetes. Diabetes adversely affects kidney function, which causes affected infants to urinate much more than typical newborns. As a result, diaper changes are more frequent than usual and often heavier than normal.
Parents may also notice that their baby nurses or takes a bottle more often than a typical newborn. A cycle persists, as the frequent urination causes dehydration and subsequent thirst, says MayoClinic.com.
Lethargy
If the infant is often tired despite sleeping normally, seems to sleep for too long and too often or is not active when awake, diabetes could be the cause. When glucose stays in the blood, the rest of the body is deprived of necessary nutrients, which makes daily functioning difficult. Lethargy may also be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis caused by toxic acids called ketones. If not treated quickly, diabetic ketoacidosis is fatal.
Yeast Infection
Diabetes can cause infants to have frequent and severe yeast infections. These infections produce a rash that is far more severe than a typical diaper rash. This symptom is often overlooked, because rashes are common in infants. Parents should consult a doctor if yeast infections persist despite treatment or recur often, reports MayoClinic.com.
