Type 1 diabetes usually occurs when the immune system, which is responsible for fighting toxins and other harmful organisms, attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The reasons behind this are not well understood but researchers believe that environmental factors (such as exposure to viruses) or genetics could be responsible for triggering this autoimmune response.

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes in Toddlers

It’s particularly important to understand that some of the signs of diabetes can be easily mistaken for normal daily-life occurrences, such as increased thirst on a warm or hot day. Therefore, if your toddler has any of the diabetes warning signs outlined below, it is vital to immediately contact your doctor, who can either diagnose or rule out diabetes.

1. Dehydration or increased thirst

Excess blood glucose draws fluid from cells and this causes dehydration or increased thirst. Although your child consuming more fluids could have a wide variety of natural causes, including being especially active or hot weather, it can also be a sign of diabetes or other conditions, especially if it is combined with other signs or is prolonged.

2. Increased or frequent urination

You may notice that your child needs to use the bathroom more often or more frequently bedwetting. If your toddler is not potty-trained you may find that you have to change more diapers.

3. Severe diaper rash

A more severe diaper rash can have several causes including a yeast infection or food allergy. However, it could also be a sign of diabetes especially if it does not respond to common treatment routines such as the use of barrier creams or more frequent diaper changes.

4. Weight loss

Your toddler may lose appetite persistently resulting in weight loss or they may show an increased appetite and still lose weight. Loss of appetite tends to be the more common sign in toddlers.

5. Persistent vomiting

If accompanied by weakness or drowsiness, persistent vomiting could be an early warning sign of diabetes in toddlers.

6. Blurred vision

High amounts of glucose in the blood can draw fluids from the eye lenses, which can cause issues such as problems in focusing. For instance, if you notice that your child is unable to see properly, let your doctor know, as it is one of the most common signs of diabetes in toddlers.

7. Unexplained fatigue or tiredness

Unexplained fatigue or tiredness without any reason may be a result of cells not getting enough blood sugar for energy.

Cuts and sores that take unusually long to heal are also common signs of diabetes.

Diagnosing diabetes in toddlers

If your doctor suspects diabetes, they may suggest tests to check your child’s blood sugar level. Some of the common tests performed on toddlers to help diagnose or rule out diabetes include:

1. Random blood sugar test: A blood test done at any random time to determine blood glucose levels.
2. Fasting blood sugar test: This test requires blood samples to be taken after fasting overnight.
3. Glycated AIC (hemoglobin) blood test: This test helps determine the percentage of blood sugar attached to hemoglobin.
4. Oral glucose tolerance test: The test is usually done when your doctor suspects type 2 diabetes.

Your doctor will explain the entire testing procedure and you can also interpret the results together.

Treating diabetes in toddlers

If your baby is diagnosed with diabetes, treatment and management can begin right away. Your healthcare provider can help you create a diabetes care team; including a dietitian, diabetes educator, and doctor. This team works closely with you to help monitor your child’s blood sugar level and maintain it within the recommended range.

Although diabetes does not have a cure, with consistent care and treatment, your toddler can go on to have a perfectly normal life. Diabetes treatment mainly depends on whether your toddler has been diagnosed with juvenile diabetes (type 1 diabetes) or type 2 diabetes. However, the treatment regimen may include:

• Taking insulin: For toddlers with juvenile diabetes, life-long management of the condition with insulin is necessary. In some cases, toddlers with type 2 diabetes may also require insulin. Although insulin is often administered as an injection, it can also be administered through pumps. Your doctor will guide you on how to use a pump or give injections, and when your child is old enough you and your doctor can show them how to it themselves.
• Blood sugar monitoring: It is recommended that you check your child’s blood glucose levels regularly, at least 4 times a day to ensure they are within the recommended range.
• Regular exercise; Ensure that your child gets at least 1 hour of physical activity each day. You can make it more interesting by getting involved and making it part of the family routine. You can do this in many different and exciting ways, For instance, you can take your family on hikes, play ball together, bounce around on an outdoor trampoline or play tag.
• A healthy diet: Adopting a healthy diet and timing meals properly is a critical element of any diabetes treatment regimen. Your dietitian or healthcare provider will create a tailor-made meal plan for you to adhere to.
• Medication: Toddlers with type 2 diabetes may be given medications like liraglutide (which stimulates the pancreas to make and release more insulin, especially after meals) or metformin (which helps reduce the amount of blood glucose released into the bloodstream by the liver).
• Counting carbs: For toddlers with type 1 diabetes, your physician will explain how calories in food are counted in order to calculate your toddler’s dose accurately.

The bottom line

Diabetes typically requires lifestyle changes and consistent care that can be a challenge to explain and implement with toddlers. Despite being a life-long condition that requires keen attention and management, diabetes can be treated and support is available to help make sure patients remain healthy and productive throughout life.

If you have any questions about your child’s health or treatment plan, be sure to consult your healthcare provider.