Diabetes in children can be difficult to recognize when symptoms appear subtly over time. However, knowing the warning signs of type 1 diabetes can improve a child’s quality of life and help prevent complications.
According to statistics from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in India, around 95,600 children below the age of 14 years were suffering from type 1 diabetes in 2022. Early management of diabetes is crucial to improve quality of life. India is home to millions of children with type 1 diabetes, which leads to life-threatening complications such as cardiovascular, kidney and eye problems later in life.
Did you know? Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease commonly seen in a large number of children, in which 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 and a distressing diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. Unlike type 2 diabetes, which is often lifestyle-related, type 1 diabetes is not not preventable and is often seen in children aged 5 to 11 years.

Warning Signs of Diabetes in Children That Should Not Be Ignored by Parents

Frequent thirst or hunger: Parents, if the child is often thirsty or drinks too much water than usual, it is time to consult the doctor as this could be a sign of diabetes. Additionally, many children with diabetes may also feel hungrier than usual without gaining weight.
Frequent urination, bedwetting: Increased frequency of nighttime urination or bedwetting in a child who was already potty trained means he may have diabetes requiring prompt intervention.
Gastrointestinal problems Abdominal pain and vomiting are experienced with high blood sugar and can also be distressing for parents, as their child may have diabetes.
Growth disorders is seen in children with long-standing abnormal blood sugar levels, which has been overlooked due to lack of awareness about childhood diabetes.
Increased susceptibility to infections: Shockingly, diabetes can increase the risk of infections due to poor immune system function. Respiratory infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and urinary infections can affect a child’s peace of mind. Parents must therefore remain vigilant regarding the well-being of their child.
Behavioral problems: Poor academic performance and vision problems, mood swings, anxiety, depression, fatigue, lack of interest in activities and irritability are commonly seen warning signs in children known to be diabetic.

Early diagnosis of diabetes is the key in children:

Type 1 diabetes can be managed effectively with tailored treatment plans for children. Regular blood sugar monitoring and tests such as Hba1c can help understand the child’s metabolic health. Children should follow a balanced lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet, exercise, taking insulin and medications prescribed by the doctor, and maintaining an optimal weight to control diabetes.
Dr Kochurani Abraham, Consultant Pediatric Endocrinologist, Ankura Hospital for Women and Children, Pune