Raising Awareness of Diabetes in Children - Part 1: Recognizing Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

by: Angie Mettille, RN, BSN, CDCES
 
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is a disease that affects millions of people in the United States. You likely know someone that has diabetes, or maybe have been diagnosed with diabetes yourself. Even if you have never been told that you have diabetes, it is important to be aware of symptoms of elevated blood sugars, also called hyperglycemia. It is also important to be aware that children can get diabetes too. Raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of diabetes in both children and adults could potentially save someone’s life.

These symptoms could be related to dangerously high blood sugars:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Recurrent infections
- Injuries that heal more slowly than usual
- Blurry vision
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Unusual odor of the breath, such as smelling like acetone, or nail polish remover

Type 2 Diabetes most often affects adults. Symptoms typically have a gradual onset but can also be quite sudden. A gradual onset can be more difficult to identify, as people can become accustomed to not feeling well, and are less likely to address these symptoms with their primary care provider.

Risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes include age, race, BMI, family history, high blood pressure and sedentary lifestyle. Even if you have annual clinic physicals that include blood work, it is important to realize that hyperglycemia can occur at any time, and the sooner you seek medical treatment, the better your outcome will be.

Type 1 Diabetes develops more suddenly, usually in children or young adults. There are less defined risk factors associated with developing Type 1 Diabetes, but the lifetime risk of developing Type 1 Diabetes is significantly increased when there is a close relative with the same diagnosis. Please always remember, it is unusual for a child to lose weight. It is also abnormal for a toddler or young child that was once potty trained through the night to start wetting the bed once again. If your energetic child seems to become extremely weak and more tired, this could also be a warning sign.

Brooke Weighner of Waukon reflects to 2017 when her son Jeremiah was having some unusual symptoms. “It was a very hot summer July day and we were swimming at Upper Iowa Resort. Jeremiah was drinking quite a lot but urinating much more then he was drinking. I thought it was odd and had a gut feeling something wasn’t right.  I happen to have some urine dipsticks at home from my older son who had kidney disease, so I checked his urine and it immediately showed high ketones and high glucose.  I waited until morning thinking he might just be coming down with something since he complained of his stomach hurting as well. The next morning I checked his urine again and it was still high.  I brought him into the ER and after testing it was confirmed he had Type 1 Diabetes.”

Brooke continues, “Looking back, he was always wanting to use the bathroom and had to go in every port a potty at the fair and other summer activities.  He was 4 years old at the time though so during all of this, it could have just been his age and curiosity.  He was also hungry and thirsty all the time, however, he was 4 years old and I thought maybe he was having a growth spurt. He was a very active child, and it was a hot summer.  All these things can easily be chalked up to a growth spurt, illness, weather or just a child being curious.  If you have any suspicion that something isn’t right with your child, don’t hesitate to get some answers.  My only regret is that I didn’t bring him in the night I noticed the initial signs.  I shouldn’t have waited until the next day, but fortunately, everything turned out ok.  Always trust your gut feelings.”

Jeremiah and his family have adjusted very well to living with diabetes and he continues to be a healthy, active now 11-year-old.

Awareness of these symptoms can lead to quicker diagnosis and management, reducing complications. Parents and caregivers should seek medical advice if they notice any combination of these signs. Feel free to call the Veterans Memorial Hospital Diabetes Education Department at 563-568-3411 for more information.