Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms in Children

Type 1 Diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes, juvenile diabetes) results when the pancreas loses its ability to make the hormone insulin. In children with Type 1 diabetes, their own immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Once those cells are destroyed, they won’t ever make insulin again. The following are some common symptoms of children with Type 1 Diabetes.

◆ Frequent urination

As excessive glucose builds up in the bloodstream of children, the kidneys respond to high levels of blood glucose by flushing out it in urine. A child with diabetes needs to urinate more frequently and in larger volumes.

◆ Excessive thirst

Since the child is losing so much fluid from peeing so much, he or she becomes excessive thirst, who drinks a lot in order to keep a normal level of water and avoid being dehydrated.

◆ Weight loss

Even though kids who develop Type 1 Diabetes may eat more than usual to relieve hunger, he may lose weight-rapidly at times, because the body breaks down muscle and stored fat so as to provide fuel to the hungry cells.

◆ Fatigue

The muscles and cells are deprived of glucose, so the child may become tired and lethargic.

◆ Bedwetting

In some cases, this is the first sign of diabetes in a child who has been dry at night.

Besides, a vaginal yeast infection may also be suspected as a sign of diabetes if a girl hasn’t started puberty yet.

Type 1 Diabetes in children can be very dangerous simply due to they cannot explain fully what is happening in their body. If the above symptoms aren’t detected and treated early, chemicals called ketones may build up in the child’s blood, causing stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fruity-smelling breath, breathing problems, and even loss of consciousness.

Immunotherapy is the most advanced therapy for Type 1 Diabetes, and you can choose this best treatment for your child.