Type 1 diabetes in infants is very rare though it does occur, often first manifesting at birth. The complications of managing insulin dependent diabetes is compounded by the inability of infants to communicate what they are feeling, requiring a heightened amount of attentiveness from parents. Neonatal hypoglycemia is not diabetes. It is the most common metabolic complication in newborns but is extremely rare with one baby in thousands of live births suffering from it. Diabetes in infants is related to family history and the particular genetics of the individual. Possible risk factors for the development of type 1 diabetes in infants include: low vitamin D levels (it is important to note early ingestion of cow’s milk has been linked to increased risk of type 1 diabetes), nitrate laced water, exposure to viruses such as mumps of Epstein-Barr virus, and introduction of cereals and certain baby formulas.
Signs of Diabetes in Infants
Symptoms of diabetes in infants are much like those of older children who have the disease. Increased urination, constant hunger and/or thirst, irritability that is not colic, low energy and sleepiness, and recurrent diaper rash that does not clear are all signs of diabetes in infants. It is also important to recognize the warning signs of hyper- and hypoglycemia, and always being prepared. It is important to take glucose readings immediately if the child is acting strangely and to know what an appropriate amount of sugar is if hypoglycemia is the cause. Fruit juices are a common source of sugar. For severe hypoglycemia have a syringe filled with a fast-acting sugar or glucagon on hand as they are far easier than forcing a bottle. For infants and toddlers fast-acting insulin is sometimes preferred as their appetites are unpredictable with meals and portions sizes varying from day to day.
Type 1 Diabetes in Infants – Tips for Parents
Infants with diabetes are entirely dependent on their caregivers to monitor glucose levels and administer insulin. Because type 1 diabetes is insulin-dependent, insulin, and possibly an oral therapy, must be given until the child can manage the disease. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) provides useful information for parents of infants and toddlers with diabetes (http://web.diabetes.org/wizdom/download/DiabetesInfantsToddlers.PDF). Some useful tips are: set a special place for diabetes care, have supplies readily available to limit stress, offering a toy or squeezing another part of the body can help distract infants, do not “sneak attack” your baby taking a blood sample or giving an injection while cuddling, allow toddlers to participate in their care, and buy a meter that requires a small blood sample and can be used on alternate test sites.
