Diabetes in Children: Early Detection, Signs & Symptoms, and Management
Diabetes, specifically type 1 diabetes, is one of the most common chronic diseases that affects children. It’s vital for parents, caregivers, and educators to recognize the early signs of undiagnosed diabetes in children to ensure they receive the care they need.
Later in this blog, we will also briefly cover type 2 diabetes in children and its earlier stage, prediabetes.
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes in children is when the body cannot produce a vital hormone called insulin. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, helps the cells absorb glucose (sugar) to be converted to energy. Without insulin, sugar can’t be absorbed properly by the body and builds up in the blood, causing high blood sugar.
High blood sugar results in numerous symptoms and complications, and if left untreated, can lead to a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
What Causes Type 1 Diabetes?
The exact cause of type 1 diabetes in children is unknown. Type 1 diabetes is most often caused by an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
At What Age Does Type 1 Diabetes in Children Typically Start?
While type 1 diabetes can begin at any age, 5-6 and 11-13 are the most common age ranges.
Recognizing the Signs of Type 1 Diabetes in Children
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children often develop relatively quickly, over weeks or months.
The most common and critical signs of diabetes in children can be remembered as the “4 Ts”:
“Toilet” (or frequent urination)
Your child may suddenly start needing the bathroom more often, or a previously toilet-trained child might start bed-wetting again.
“Thirsty”
Excessive thirst (polydipsia). They may constantly ask for drinks and feel like their thirst can never be quenched.
“Tired”
Unexplained fatigue or lethargy. They may be more tired than usual and lack energy for play or sports.
“Thinner”
Unintentional weight loss despite increased hunger. The body breaks down muscle and fat for energy when it can’t use glucose, leading to rapid weight loss.
Other important symptoms can include:
- Extreme hunger
- Fruity odor on the breath
- Irritability or unusual mood changes
- Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
Testing for Type 1 Diabetes in Children
If you notice any of these signs, especially the 4 Ts, see your child’s doctor immediately for diabetes testing. They can perform a simple finger-prick blood test or a urine test to check for high sugar levels.
If a diagnosis is confirmed, your child can be referred to a diabetes specialist to begin their treatment plan and to potentially rule out other autoimmune conditions common in children with type 1 diabetes, such as thyroid disease and celiac disease.
“When your child is diagnosed with diabetes, particularly type 1, things move very fast, and we work quickly to connect you with the diabetes specialists at the hospital. Oftentimes, you need emergency room care after the initial diagnosis, and we are here to help navigate the care and provide support for your family as you go through this process. There have been many advances in diabetes management, and the technology is family and child friendly, which has rapidly changed type 1 diabetes management. “ – Dr. Gloria
Managing Diabetes in Children
A type 1 diabetes diagnosis is life-changing, but with today’s technology and treatment options, a child can still lead a normal life. Management involves a balance of:
Insulin Therapy: Delivering insulin via multiple daily injections or an insulin pump.
Blood Glucose Monitoring: Checking sugar levels with a finger-prick meter or a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM).
Carbohydrate Counting: Carefully tracking the carbohydrate content of all meals and snacks to match it with the correct insulin dose.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise, which affects blood sugar levels and requires proactive management. At least thirty minutes of exercise a day can help children manage their disease.
“Diabetes is a big diagnosis for your child and your family. We are here to help identify early signs of diabetes and work as a team with your pediatric endocrinologist to manage this condition long-term. There are so many exciting advances that are letting us catch diabetes earlier and make monitoring and treatment less invasive so your child can spend as much time as possible just being a kid!” – Dr. Dharmasri
Your Child’s Future with Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition that requires proactive management. As your child grows, it’s important to attend regular visits with your pediatrician or a diabetes specialist so they can help educate both you and your child on how to manage their type 1 diabetes throughout their life.
This might start with training a young child to ask for help from a trusted adult when they recognize high blood sugar symptoms, to administering their own insulin injections with adult supervision, and finally working them up to independently managing their condition on their own as a teenager.
Developing these habits when a child is young is incredibly important for their future. Your pediatrician and your care team are here to help you and your child feel prepared for managing type 1 diabetes into adulthood.
Your pediatrician will also work with you regarding vaccinations that are important for children with type 1 diabetes, such as additional doses of Prevnar.
It Takes a Village: Type 1 Diabetes and Your Community
If you or your child has type 1 diabetes, you’re not alone. There are several community groups for children, teens, and adults with diabetes. You may decide as a parent that it would be beneficial for your child to have the opportunity to be around other kids with the same routines and health concerns. You can also discuss and share your concerns with other parents in your community. Your pediatrician can help connect you with these valuable support networks.
Type 2 Diabetes in Children is on the Rise
Typically diagnosed in adulthood, type 2 diabetes functions differently. Type 2 diabetes is when the body becomes resistant to insulin or underproduces it due to risk factors such as age, race, weight, physical inactivity, prediabetes, and family history.
While type 1 diabetes is much more common in children, there are increasing rates of individuals being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes earlier in life, including young children and teens. Type 2 diabetes is usually first detectible in children as prediabetes. Prediabetes is an earlier sign of insulin resistance that leads to type 2 diabetes if unaddressed.
Signs of Prediabetes in Children
The early signs of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are very similar to the above signs for type 1, but parents can also look out for skin darkening on the neck and armpits.
Early Detection and Routine Screening for Diabetes at Raleigh Pediatrics
Early detection of diabetes is critical for preventing medical emergencies and getting your child on the right track to living a happy and healthy life. Patients at Raleigh Pediatrics receive a routine diabetes screening during their annual well visit at 10 years old and again at 18 years old.
“Chronic illness diagnosis can often be scary and overwhelming. We are here to help support you and your family during this time and help connect you with all the resources and support systems you may need. Annual well checks are important times for us to screen and catch concerns early.” – Dr. Mago-Shah
In addition to routine screenings, your child’s pediatrician can order a type 1 diabetes antibody test as early as 1 year old if there is a family history of type 1. Discussing family history during your child’s well visit allows your pediatrician to thoroughly screen your child for certain conditions where family history is a risk factor.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s health, request an appointment with your pediatrician. Raleigh Pediatrics’ team of dedicated board-certified pediatricians can help you determine any possible risk factors for type 1 or type 2 diabetes in your family.