Diabetic symptoms in toddlers are very important to know, particularly if you have a family history of type-1 diabetes. The symptoms of a diabetic in toddlers are not hard to detect, but often this kind of problem in a child is unexpected. Knowing these symptoms beforehand allows you to catch these symptoms early on.
In type-1 diabetes, the body is unable to make insulin. Insulin is important to our survival. This is because insulin is the hormone that allows our cells to use glucose (sugar) to make energy. Without it our bodies begin to use fat and muscles to create this energy, wearing down the body. Plus, the sugar that is not being used stays in the blood stream damaging tissues and organs within our bodies. This is why early intervention is vital.
Symptoms of Diabetes in Toddlers
The first signs of diabetes in toddlers are usually frequent yeast infections or a fungus-related rash. This is caused by high amounts of sugar within the urine, which make the perfect environment for fungus and yeast to thrive. Yeast infections usually occur in girls more often, but they can happen with boys too.
Another early symptom that is easy to detect is frequent urination. Diabetes causes dehydration, so you may notice that your child is gulping down drinks and asking for them frequently. This causes parents to think that they are going to the bathroom more because they drank so much, but really it is the body’s way of flushing the excess sugar out of the body. A sign of diabetes that is often noticed is bedwetting when the child could previously go all night without an accident. One mistake that parents often make in this scenario is cutting off fluids to avoid accidents or frequent trips to the bathroom. This only furthers their dehydration.
Another noticeable sign of diabetes is weight loss, in spite of excess hunger. The cells inside the body cannot make energy for the body, so children become fatigued and hungry because of this need for energy. You may notice your little one asking for more to eat. When they ask to eat soon after they ate a full meal, this is a good indication that something is wrong. Also, cells break down fat and your muscles to make the energy that is needed. This is the reason for accelerated weight loss in spite of eating more.
A very serious condition, called ketoacidosis should be watched for if you are suspecting your toddler is diabetic. When the body uses fat and protein to make energy, it also produces a byproduct called ketones. (According to AboutKidsHealth.com, this is the same chemical which is used in nail polish remover.) When too many ketones are made, the kidneys cannot flush them out fast enough and they begin to build up in the blood. This leads to severe nausea, and heavy or rapid breathing. You may also notice a fruity smell to your child’s breath; this is a major symptom of ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis is an emergency situation in which treatment should be sought promptly.
