Worried your little one or teen might be diabetic? Here are five signs to look out for.
While Type-1 Diabetes (which cannot be prevented) is more commonly found in children, numbers of children developing Type-2 diabetes are on the rise. Type-1 occurs when the body cannot produce insulin, leading to high blood-sugar levels. Type-2 which is a lifestyle disease, largely due to obesity and sedentary lifestyles, is becoming more prevalent in children. In Type-2, the body doesn’t use insulin properly, leading to insulin resistance.
If you suspect that your child may have diabetes, contact your doctor ASAP for a proper evaluation.
Here are five signs to look out for that could potentially indicate diabetes in children.
1. Frequent urination – in children this may include bed wetting.
- Excessive thirst – if your child drinks more than usual and complains of being thirsty it may be a cause for concern.
- Extreme hunger – despite eating a “normal” or even an increased amount of food, children with diabetes may experience intense hunger.
- Unexplained or sudden weight loss – if your child loses weight for no apparent reason, this could also be a cause for concern.
- Fatigue and irritability – persistent fatigue and irritability could indicate that the body is not effectively using glucose for energy and thus your child could experience mood swings and tiredness.
Any of these symptoms could be indicative of other underlying health conditions, so it’s important to keep track over a period of time. Always check with your medical doctor and ask for a blood test to confirm.
