Diabetes in children: Symptoms, treatment and precautions

Symptoms of diabetes in children

Type 1 diabetes in children can present various symptoms. Dr Navneet Agrawal, Chief Clinical Officer, BeatO said, “Children with type 1 diabetes often experience severe hyperglycemia, resulting from insufficient insulin production. This can lead to a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Severe abdominal pain or repeated vomiting may also indicate the presence of diabetic ketoacidosis.”

Additionally, symptoms can include excessive urination (polyuria), increased hunger (polyphagia), excessive thirst (polydipsia) and significant weight loss, the expert said.

He recommends parents to seek medical attention when they observe their child not gaining weight, experiencing rapid weight loss or noticing ants attracted to the child’s urine. “It is crucial for parents to be aware of these symptoms and consult a doctor promptly if they observe any early signs of type 1 diabetes in their child,” Dr Agrawal said.

How to manage blood sugar levels in children

The growing prevalence of obesity among teenagers and adolescents has been connected to the later development of type 2 diabetes in adulthood. (Source: Freepik)

The primary and recommended treatment for managing type 1 diabetes in children is insulin therapy. Dr Agrawal advises to consult a healthcare professional, such as a diabetologist or an endocrinologist, to initiate insulin therapy.

“The specific type and dosage of insulin will be determined based on the child’s individual blood glucose levels. Once insulin therapy is initiated, regular monitoring of blood glucose levels becomes essential. Monitoring blood glucose levels and making appropriate insulin dosage changes are important aspects of managing type 1 diabetes in children,” he added.

While at present, there is no known preventive therapy for type 1 diabetes as it is an autoimmune condition, Dr Agrawal said that it is worth noting that the growing prevalence of obesity among teenagers and adolescents has been connected to the later development of type 2 diabetes in adulthood.

“Parents have a vital role in motivating children to engage in regular physical activity, advocating for a balanced and nutritious diet, and cultivating healthy habits. These proactive measures can substantially decrease the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. If an adolescent is overweight or obese, working towards weight loss under the guidance of healthcare professionals can be beneficial in reducing the vulnerabilities to type 2 diabetes,” he concluded.

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