Diabetes Symptoms and Causes in Children


Why do children get diabetes symptoms?

When your child has diabetes, their cells lack the energy they need to function, their blood glucose levels rise, and they pass sugar via their urine. Diabetes symptoms and indications may be triggered by any of these conditions.


Your child will feel exhausted and weak if they don't receive any energy. Because flushing glucose out of the body through the urine causes your child to pass more pee, get dehydrated, and experience increased thirst, high blood sugar is the ideal environment for fungi infections like thrush.


With type 1 diabetes, the symptoms worsen quickly, and your kid may become seriously ill very quickly. To detect type 2 diabetes, however, you may need to be more of a detective because the symptoms might develop more gradually and be more subtle.

Diabetes symptoms in children

Every child is unique. Depending on the person's age and level of diabetes, diabetes symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. With younger children, you might need to keep an eye on their behavior and look for warning signs, symptoms, and shifts in their mood and level of energy. However, many diabetics report experiencing a number of the same symptoms.


Children's type 1 diabetes symptoms


You might experience additional symptoms if you have type 1 diabetes; roughly a third of persons with type 1 diabetes have diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). When your child has DKA, which is a dangerous condition, their body burns down fat for energy, causing chemicals called ketones to accumulate in their circulation. The above-mentioned diabetic symptoms in your child can also cause:


  • A fruity breath scent

  • Vomiting, nausea, and nauseous

  • They could experience worsening stomach pain, dry lips and tongue, and no tears as a result of dehydration. They might also become floppy and difficult to wake up.

  • They can become unconscious as the illness worsens and go into a coma.

  • They might begin to breathe deeply and laboriously.


Dehydration and ketones in the urine are additional symptoms of type 2 diabetes in children, and these patients require immediate specialized hospital care in a Pediatric Diabetes Hospital 


Children's type 2 diabetes symptoms


You may experience the typical symptoms of type 2 diabetes. They might, however, take longer to manifest and be more subtle. Additionally, you can see indications of insulin resistance. These consist of:


  • Discoloration of the skin in the armpit, elbow, knee, and skin folds that is dark, thick, and velvety. This is a disorder of the skin known as acanthosis nigricans.

  • In girls with type 2 diabetes, PCOS is associated with the disease. They might observe more hair growth on their body and face, as well as irregular or scarce periods.


Type 1 Diabetes in Children's Causes


  • The causes of type 1 diabetes remain unknown, just like those of type 2 diabetes. However, the body's immune system frequently kills insulin-producing cells inadvertently. According to studies, genetics and environmental factors both seem to be involved in this process.

  • When the cells are destroyed, the body has little to no insulin left, which restricts the hormone's ability to do its job. For cells to use sugar as energy, insulin is essential.

  • However, when there is insufficient or no insulin present, blood sugar levels begin to rise, which can cause untreated health issues.


Type 2 Diabetes in Children's Causes


  • Type 2 diabetes has unknown origins. But genetics, weight, and inactivity also play a big part.

  • The body's inability to metabolize glucose is one thing concerning Type-2 diabetes that is obvious. Consequently, creating energy for cells and muscles becomes challenging.

  • Sugar is created from the food that is consumed. Insulin is a hormone that the body needs to turn sugar into energy.

  • A gland called the pancreas, which is found behind the stomach, produces insulin. The pancreas produces insulin to break down the food as soon as it reaches the stomach.

  • Insulin circulates, allowing sugar to enter cells and lowering blood sugar levels as a result.

  • Diabetes type 2 is a recently emerging disease.


Diabetes prevention in Children


There isn't much that can be done about it because it is a condition that the body evolved on its own, independent of external stimuli. However, the following strategies can aid in avoiding complications:


  • Encourage your child to control their blood sugar levels and maintain them within the usual range.

  • Inform the youngster of the advantages and disadvantages of consuming certain meals. Make him aware of the impact a balanced, healthy diet and exercise can have on his or her blood sugar levels.

  • Make regular appointments with your diabetes educator or physician so you can talk about your progress.


Diabetes is a severe disorder that affects both children and adults. Therefore, while it may seem challenging, accepting the condition and making it a part of the journey is essential. To make the process simpler for your child, it's crucial to communicate with a Pediatric Diabetes Doctor in Coimbatore.


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