Signs of Childhood Diabetes

Childhood diabetes is a condition that affects kids, typically between the ages of 6 and 18. It's caused by the body not being able to produce enough insulin. When someone has diabetes, their blood sugar levels can become too high, and this can cause health problems immediately or later in life. .

In the United States, the number of children diagnosed with diabetes has been rising for years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three hundred kids is living with Diabetes Mellitus (DM), which was once known as Juvenile Diabetes.

If your child has been diagnosed with diabetes, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn for help. At IMPC, we offer consultations and medication services tailored to meet the needs of children with diabetes.

Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Diabetes

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1.    Increased Thirst and Urination

When the blood sugar level is high, the body tries to eliminate the excess sugar by passing it into the urine. This can cause your child to drink more fluids and pass more urine than usual. If you notice your child drinking more fluids and going to the bathroom more often, it could be a sign to talk to your doctor.

2.    Extreme Weight Loss

This occurs because the child’s body cannot use the sugar in their blood for energy. As a result, the child will start losing weight even if they eat enough food.

3.    Fatigue

Fatigue signals that the body isn't processing sugar correctly.

4.    Blurred Vision

Blurred vision can be caused by high blood sugar levels, which is a common symptom of diabetes. Fluid can build up in the eye's lens when blood sugar levels are high, leading to blurry vision.

5.    Muscle and Joint Pain

This is often one of the first signs that a child may have diabetes. The condition develops when the body can't produce enough insulin to break down sugar in the blood, which can cause nerve damage.

6.    Loss of Consciousness

When blood sugar levels are high for an extended period, it can damage the body's organs, including the brain. Loss of consciousness can sometimes be life-threatening. Therefore it is vital to seek medical help immediately.

How to prevent Childhood Diabetes

A healthy diet and weight are important for preventing Childhood Diabetes. Excess weight is a known risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, accounting for 90% of all diabetes cases in children.

Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications. A healthy diet should include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and limited amounts of saturated and unhealthy fats. Regular physical activity is also important for maintaining a healthy weight.

Treatment for Childhood Diabetes

A diagnosis of diabetes during childhood can be frightening and overwhelming. There is good news, though: diabetes can be treated, and with careful management, most children with diabetes grow up to lead healthy lives.

The Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic (IMPC) offers a range of treatments for childhood diabetes. Our specialists will work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your child's needs. IMPC offers the latest treatments for pediatric diabetes, including insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems. We also offer education and support for families dealing with childhood diabetes.