Close to 200,000 Americans under age 20 have diabetes, according to 2007 data from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. In type 1 diabetes, formerly known as juvenile diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, a glucose-metabolizing hormone. In type 2 diabetes, a person becomes insulin-resistant. Diabetes symptoms in teenagers are usually related to type 1 because type 2 diabetes is often asymptomatic. Teenagers who are obese or have a family history of diabetes should be tested regularly by a pediatrician.
Increased Thirst and Urination
A teenager with diabetes may suddenly begin drinking more fluids than normal. She may also notice an increase in volume when urinating or urinate more frequently. This is caused by hyperglycemia, or too much glucose in the blood. Diabetes prevents the body from converting the glucose to an energy source and storing it in the liver. This causes blood sugar levels to rise. The body responds by drawing fluid from tissue throughout the body, in an attempt to dilute the blood sugar. The kidneys respond by working harder to filter the blood, leading to frequent urination and increased thirst.
Blurred Vision
Untreated diabetes in teenagers can damage the eyes in two ways. Over time, the disease can seriously damage blood vessels in the body, including those in the eyes. Also, while trying to dilute the high blood sugar levels, the body pulls fluid from other areas, including the lenses of the eyes. This causes swelling and affects the eyes' ability to focus properly. If the diabetes is caught early enough and treated, the condition is reversible, although it can take months for the vision to return to normal.
Abdominal Pain and Vomiting
By the time diabetes symptoms begin to manifest, the disease may already be damaging the body. One sign of diabetes, abdominal pain and vomiting, is often mistaken for the flu or gastrointestinal virus. In actuality, it is the result of keto acids building up in the body, a condition called ketoacidosis. Keto acids are fatty aminio acids. A diabetic teenager is unable to metabolize glucose, so instead his body burns keto acids for energy, leaving behind ketones, acid residue, in the blood. High levels of ketones are poisonous.
