Sign 1: Unquenchable thirst
Children with undiagnosed type 1 diabetes may be constantly thirsty. That's because as their blood-glucose level rises, fluid is pulled from their body tissues. These kids may especially crave sweet, cold drinks.
Sign 2: Frequent urination
What goes in must come out, so it stands to reason that a child who is drinking more will also visit the washroom more. If your kid is taking an unusual number of bathroom breaks, there may be an underlying and serious reason behind it. A younger child who was previously toilet trained at night may start to wet the bed again.
Sign 3: Weight loss
A body that can't use the energy from sugar may experience muscle mass and fat loss. The weight loss in a child with undiagnosed type 1 diabetes is often described as sudden and rapid.
Sign 4: Lack of energy
Your child may a feel constantly tired or sluggish because she's not able to turn the sugar in her bloodstream into energy that her muscles and organs can use.
Sign 5: Intense hunger
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When a child's body is deprived of energy due to low insulin, she may experience the feeling of extreme hunger. However, decreased appetite can also be a warning sign, as it's one of the symptoms of DKA (see sign 8)
Sign 6: Changes in eyesight
A high blood glucose level causes fluid to be pulled from other body tissues, including eye lenses. This may lead to blurred vision or other eyesight problems. However, a young child may not complain to you about it. "They don't know what normal is, the way adults would," says Clement. "And some of them aren't even reading yet."
Sign 7: Yeast infections
Girls with type 1 diabetes may develop yeast infections. A yeast infection in a baby or toddler may show up as very bad diaper rash.
Sign 8: Diabetic ketoacidosis
DKA can happen in a child with undiagnosed diabetes and is a medical emergency.As the body runs out of insulin for breaking down glucose, it starts to burn fat for energy instead. This leads to a buildup of acidic byproducts called ketones. "DKA changes the pH of your blood and is a very dangerous condition," notes Clement.
Signs your child is in crisis can include vomiting, stomach pain, fast breathing, flushed face, fruity breath odour and fatigue. DKA may progress very quickly and can be fatal. But it's also preventable. The more that parents, teachers and camp counsellors are aware of the early signs of diabetes in children, the more likely it is that DKA can be averted.
Okay so I have all of the symptoms above ^, Except yeast infection. I think… Anyway, If I do have it, how do I tell my parents and is it type 1 or 2. PLEASE HELP! I'm a hypochondriac and I'm getting stressed about it. BTW I'M 12.
>>> Do I have diabetes? If so, what one? And how do I tell my parents I think I have it?