Warning signs of diabetes in children: What every parent should know

Diabetes in children can be challenging to recognize when symptoms appear subtly over time. However, knowing the early warning signs of type 1 diabetes can improve the child's quality of life and help to prevent complications.

According to statistics from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), there were around 95,600 children in India under the age of 14 with type 1 diabetes as of 2022. Managing diabetes early is crucial to improve the quality of life. India is home to millions of children with type 1 diabetes which leads to fatal complications such as cardiovascular, kidney, and eye problems in later life.

Did you know? Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition commonly seen in a large number of children where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels and the distressing diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. Unlike type 2 diabetes, which is often lifestyle-related, type 1 diabetes is not preventable and is often seen in children aged 5-11.

Warning signs of diabetes in children that shouldn’t be ignored by parents

Frequent thirst or hunger: Parents, in case the child is frequently thirsty or drinking too much water than normally he/she would, it’s time to consult the doctor as it could be a sign of diabetes. Moreover, many children with diabetes may also feel hungrier than normal without gaining weight.

Frequent urination, bed wetting: Increased frequency of urination at night or bedwetting in a child who was already toilet trained means he/she can have diabetes that needs prompt intervention.

Gastrointestinal issues Pain in the abdomen and vomiting are experienced with high blood sugar levels and can also be distressing for parents as their child could have diabetes.

Growth impairment is seen in children with abnormal blood sugar levels for a long time which has been ignored due to the lack of awareness regarding childhood diabetes.

Increased susceptibility to infection: Shockingly, diabetes can raise the chances of infections due to poor functioning of the immune system. Respiratory infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and urinary infections can steal the child’s peace of mind. Hence, parents should stay vigilant when it comes to their child’s well-being.

Behavioral disturbances: Poor school performance and vision problems, mood swings, anxiety, depression, fatigue, lack of interest in activities, and irritability are the commonly seen warning signs in children known to have diabetes

Early diagnosis of diabetes is key in children: Type 1 diabetes can be managed effectively with tailor-made treatment plans for children. Regular blood sugar level monitoring and tests such as Hba1c can help understand the metabolic health of the child. Children need to adhere to a well-balanced lifestyle inclusive of nutritious diet, exercise, taking insulin and medication prescribed by the doctor, and maintaining an optimum weight to control diabetes.

Dr. Kochurani Abraham, Consultant Pediatric Endocrinologist, Ankura Hospital for Women and Children, Pune