Type 1 diabetes is a medical condition that most typically develops in adolescents. It was once called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. It is caused when the pancreas no longer produces insulin and that insulin must be replaced. Insulin works in our bodies to help use or store for later the sugars we get from food and turn them into energy. However, type 1 diabetes in kids is a condition in which insulin doesn’t naturally occur to help the body.
What are the Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes in Kids?
Increased Thirst and Urination. Excess sugar will build up in the bloodstream, which can in turn cause increased thirst. If you notice your child seems to be drinking more liquids and going to the bathroom more frequently than usual, see your pediatrician to talk about the possibilities of type 1 diabetes.
Intense Hunger. If you notice your child is eating more than usual, or never seems to be full even after eating a full meal, it could be a sign of type 1 diabetes. This is due to the lack of enough insulin to move sugar into the cells, causing muscles and organs to be energy depleted.
Weight Loss. Despite an increased hunger and eating, your child could be rapidly losing weight. Your child’s body might be having no energy supplies from sugar, causing muscle tissues and fat to simply shrink.
Fatigue. Your child may be more sluggish and tired than usual. This is again due to their body having no supplies of energy from sugar.
Irritability. Untreated type 1 diabetes may cause moodiness and irritability in your child.
Blurred Vision. Fluids can be pulled from the lenses of the eyes if blood sugar levels are too high, causing your child to have blurred vision.
Yeast Infection. Girls with type 1 diabetes may sometimes have genital yeast infections. Babies will develop diaper rash.
What Can You Do?
If your child is showing any of these symptoms and you suspect they may have type 1 diabetes, simply take them to your pediatrician and let them know your concerns. It may be helpful to make a list of the symptoms you’ve been seeing as well to discuss them with the pediatrician.
