By Dhwani Jerajani +2more
Medically reviewed byDr. Nikita Toshi
Last updated: Dec 13, 2023
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Juvenile diabetes or Type 1 diabetes, like other diseases, has been on the rise. It is a type of autoimmune disease. The pancreas does not produce enough insulin to convert blood sugar into energy. Diabetes in children cannot be cured and is a lifelong predicament.
The best bet is to prevent the child from suffering from this by providing healthy food options and inculcating good lifestyle habits like regular exercise and proper sleep. Encourage your children to eat a diet low in fat, sugar, processed foods and to eat nutrient-rich food like fruits and vegetables, lean meats and protein-rich foods. Drinking an ample amount of water is also beneficial in the prevention of diabetes. There are many warning signs that trigger the possibility of diabetes in children. They are listed below.
Table of Contents
Symptoms Of Diabetes In Children
1. Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination
The child experiences several bouts of extensive thirst as the blood sugar pulls are water from the cells. This also leads to frequent urination. Some children even start bedwetting.
2. Dry Mouth and Itchy Skin
Patients start suffering from itchy skin and dry mouths. This is because of a lack of fluids in the body that manifests as these symptoms.
3. Extreme Hunger
Children suffering from diabetes experience extreme hunger, even after eating full meals. This is because the body is unable to utilize the energy released from the food consumed.
The most common signs of diabetes in toddlers and children include an increase in thirst and more frequent or increased urination. Most of the times in my practise i have seen that most children parents notice ants around the child’s urine in bathroom.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
4. Unexplained Weight Loss
Even though the child eats his meals, he/she may suffer from unexplained weight loss. This is again because the body is unable to put to use the energy released from food.
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5. Fatigue
Lethargic behavior, feelings of laziness and drowsiness are all warning signs of diabetes in children. The body is left without its requisite energy fuel as it cannot utilize the blood sugar to provide energy.
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6. Behaviour Changes
Children suffering from diabetes exhibit behavioural changes. They may become irritable, anxious and aggressive. Some of them feel the blues and might even suffer from depression.
7. Vision Problems
The eyes are one of the first organs to suffer from diabetes. Children often develop vision problems and if left untreated might even become blind.
Read More: The Relationship Between Eyes & Diabetes
8. Fruity Breath
One of the most obvious signs of diabetes in children is the development of sweet-smelling, fruity breath. This is because of the build-up of toxic acids in the bloodstream and the urine. These toxic acids, known as ketones, cause a fruity smell.
If left untreated, diabetes can shut down the system, organ by organ. It can cause cataract, glaucoma and sometimes complete vision loss. The cuts and bruises take a long time to heal in diabetics and are at risk of developing gangrene. The feet are at a risk, especially since they receive the least blood flow in the body.
If diabetes runs in your family or if you notice any of the above symptoms in your child, get a blood sugar test done immediately for comprehensive and timely action.
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Read More: 11 Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes in Children
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
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I'm an experienced health and medical expert, well-versed in various medical conditions and their management. My expertise is backed by a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in the field. With a background in medical knowledge and a depth of understanding, I'm here to provide valuable insights on the concepts discussed in the article.
The article discusses juvenile diabetes, also known as Type 1 diabetes, highlighting its autoimmune nature where the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin to convert blood sugar into energy. It emphasizes the rising prevalence of this condition and the importance of lifestyle choices in managing and preventing it. Here's an overview of the key concepts covered in the article:
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Juvenile Diabetes (Type 1 Diabetes):
- Definition: An autoimmune disease where the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
- Lifelong Predicament: Unlike some diseases, juvenile diabetes is a lifelong condition with no cure.
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Prevention Strategies:
- Healthy Lifestyle: Emphasizes the significance of adopting healthy lifestyle habits, including regular exercise, proper sleep, and a balanced diet.
- Dietary Recommendations: Encourages a diet low in fat, sugar, and processed foods, while promoting the consumption of nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and protein-rich foods.
- Hydration: Stresses the importance of drinking an ample amount of water as a preventive measure for diabetes.
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Warning Signs and Symptoms in Children:
- Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination: Indicative of elevated blood sugar levels and water being pulled from cells.
- Dry Mouth and Itchy Skin: Result from a lack of fluids in the body.
- Extreme Hunger: Despite eating full meals, children may experience persistent hunger due to the body's inability to utilize energy.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Despite eating, children may suffer from weight loss due to inefficient energy utilization.
- Fatigue: Lethargy, laziness, and drowsiness are warning signs of diabetes in children.
- Behavior Changes: Diabetes can lead to irritability, anxiety, aggression, and even depression in children.
- Vision Problems: Diabetes can affect the eyes, leading to vision problems or blindness.
- Fruity Breath: A sign of diabetes due to the build-up of ketones in the bloodstream and urine.
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Complications of Untreated Diabetes:
- Organ Damage: Diabetes, if untreated, can lead to organ damage, including cataracts, glaucoma, and vision loss.
- Delayed Healing: Cuts and bruises take a longer time to heal in individuals with diabetes and are at risk of developing gangrene.
- Feet at Risk: The feet, receiving the least blood flow, are particularly vulnerable in individuals with diabetes.
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Family History and Timely Testing:
- Recommends immediate blood sugar testing if diabetes runs in the family or if symptoms are observed in a child.
In conclusion, the article underscores the importance of awareness, early detection, and proactive measures in managing and preventing juvenile diabetes in children. If you suspect any symptoms, timely medical consultation and testing are crucial for effective intervention.
