Missing the warning signs of diabetes in children can lead to the life-threatening condition diabetic ketoacidosis
Type 1 diabetes typically begins manifesting symptoms in children and young adults, though it can emerge at any age. However, mums and dads are being advised to watch for four crucial warning signs of diabetes, dubbed the 4 ‘t’s of diabetes by Diabetes UK: Toilet, thirsty, tired, and thinner.
Diabetes can trigger elevated blood sugar levels, and the body attempts to eliminate this excess glucose through urination. Youngsters requiring the loo far more frequently than normal, waking during the night to urinate or wetting the bed when they were previously dry overnight can be a vital warning indicator of diabetes.
The specialists explained: “Being really thirsty and not being able to quench the thirst. Your child may ask for a drink more often, finish drinks very quickly or you may notice they generally drink more.”
As the body battles to obtain the energy it requires from food, your youngster may become more exhausted than normal. They might not play as frequently as they previously did or possess less stamina for sports.
If the body continues long enough without receiving adequate energy from food, it may resort to muscle and fat already present in the body. This triggers unintended weight reduction which may cause your child to appear slimmer than usual.
Diabetes UK observed that these symptoms can commence and deteriorate within days or gradually develop over several weeks. Yet the specialists urged parents: “You should get urgent medical help if you notice any of these symptoms.
“If your child has any of the above signs or symptoms of diabetes, you should take them straight to the doctor and insist on a blood glucose test. If a quick and simple finger prick test indicates high blood sugar, your GP will refer your child to a specialist diabetes team or hospital and the test will be sent to the lab to diagnose diabetes.”
Should youngsters with type 1 diabetes go undiagnosed and without swift treatment, their health can spiral into diabetic ketoacidosis. This is a potentially fatal emergency requiring immediate medical intervention.
Symptoms of ketoacidosis includes the 4 ‘t’s as well as:
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Stomach pain
- Feeling or being sick
- Sweet or fruity-smelling breath
- Fainting
Whilst type 1 diabetes predominantly affects children, adolescents can also develop type 2 diabetes. The warning signs are similar to those of type 1 but typically emerge more gradually across weeks or months.
Should your youngster have type 2 diabetes and remain undiagnosed for an extended period or fall ill with an infection, they risk ketoacidosis or a hyperosmoler hyperglycaemic state. This occurs when blood contains excessive salt, glucose and other compounds, making it overly concentrated.
To restore balance, the body attempts to extract water from organs such as the brain into the bloodstream. This dangerous condition can trigger a coma and requires hospital treatment with fluids and insulin.