Warning Signs Of Diabetes In Children That Every Parent Should Know

With India emerging as an epicentre of the global diabetes epidemic, most attention is focused on diabetes that develops during adulthood – type 2 diabetes. However, data from the International Diabetes Federation shows that India is also home to the world’s second-largest population of childhood or adolescent diabetes patients. Over 128,000 Indians under the age of 19 have type 1 diabetes and evidence shows the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in children is also rising. This makes it important for Indian parents to be aware of the risk of diabetes in children because early detection and treatment is critical for the effective management of the condition. 

The Importance Of Early Detection Of Diabetes In Children

Both types of diabetes affect the body’s use of insulin and consequently blood sugar levels, posing a risk of life-threatening complications if left untreated. Children and adolescents with diabetes face a much higher risk of health problems throughout their life. 

Type 1 diabetes is more common in children and although it can develop at any age, 85 percent of cases are detected in children and adolescents under the age of 20. Type 2 diabetes rates in children are also rising because of the increased prevalence of childhood obesity, which is regarded as a major risk factor. Additionally, children who have close relatives such as a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing the condition. 

No matter which type of diabetes we’re dealing with, early detection is critical for improving outcomes. With type 1 diabetes, children require lifelong treatment with insulin and blood sugar monitoring, along with lifestyle changes to keep blood sugar levels in control. With type 2 diabetes, children may need medication, but if detected early the condition can be reversed or effectively managed with lifestyle changes alone, including diet therapy, exercise, and weight management.

Diabetes Warning Signs In Children

Signs of diabetes in children can develop slowly or rapidly, depending on the type of diabetes. Here are the signs of diabetes in children that parents should look out for.

Type 1 Diabetes In Children

These symptoms may develop rapidly over a period of just a few weeks:

Increased thirst and hunger

Frequent urination and possible bed-wetting

Sudden weight loss

Reduced energy levels

Moodiness and irritability

Fruity or sweet-smelling breath

Parents are urged to pay heed to such signs of diabetes, as failure or delays in treatment can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a serious condition in which the body burns fat as an energy source as it can no longer utilize glucose. 

Type 2 Diabetes In Children

These symptoms tend to develop gradually over a period of months or even years:

Increased thirst

Frequent urination, often at night

Lethargy and fatigue

Unintentional weight loss

Blurring of vision

Darkening of the skin around the neck or armpits

Skin rash or itching around the genitals

Delayed wound healing

If you notice any of these warning signs of diabetes in children, seek immediate medical attention. Both types of diabetes can cause severe complications if left untreated. If your child has any of the risk factors for diabetes, such as obesity or a family history of the disease, discuss the need for routine diabetes screenings with your paediatrician. 

Reference Links:

1. https://diabetesatlas.org/upload/resources/previous/files/8/IDF_DA_8e-EN-final.pdf
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6177665/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5805861/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5876549/
5. https://www.neas.nhs.uk/news/2020/june/29/recognise-the-symptoms-of-type-1-diabetes-in-children-and-young-people.aspx
6. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevent-type-2/type-2-kids.html