In India, type 1 diabetes mellitus contributes to 5% to 10% of all diabetes cases, according to an article by National Center for Biotechnology Information. In a recent study, the peak age of diagnosis was found to be as low as 12 years. Type 1 diabetes in children is an autoimmune disorder. You need to work with the doctor closely to control your child’s blood sugar levels.
The latest diabetes treatments can help prevent future complications. But, as a responsible parent, you should be aware of the symptoms and complications first.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Keep an eye out for the following discomforts in the child. These could mean that they are at risk of being diabetic.
- Increased thirst and hunger at all times
- Loss of appetite in young children
- Frequent urination
- Wetting the bed, even if the child is toilet trained
- Weight loss, despite eating frequently
- Consistent fatigue and weakness
- Irritable mood and abnormal changes in behaviour
- Breath has a fruity smell
- Yeast infection in young girls
- Abdominal pain from time to time
- Feeling nauseous and vomiting later
- Eyesight issues, like blurred vision
- Persistent dehydration in the body
These are the common signs, usually noticeable suddenly in children. They develop quickly and are indicative of type 1 diabetes. However, you must also know about type 2 diabetes symptoms to understand how to manage it well.
Complications of Type 1 Diabetes
Along with type 1 and type 2 diabetes symptoms, you also need to understand the possible complications of these conditions.
Hypoglycemia
This occurs when the blood sugar level falls below normal. The main cause of this is too much insulin. Therefore, it is also known as insulin reaction. There are usually three levels of the condition, depending upon the drop in the glucose level: mild, moderate and severe.
Ketoacidosis
This is a condition where the blood sugar levels have risen beyond normal. The child’s body starts producing ketones, which causes Ketoacidosis. This is one of the early symptoms of diabetes and might turn into a serious complication. The blood turns acidic and the glucose cannot be used effectively. Persistent high blood sugar levels can lead to this condition.
Nerve Damage
The walls of small blood vessels can be damaged due to excessive sugar in the blood. Your child’s nerves are no longer nourished due to this, leading to tingling and burning sensations. The damage takes places over a prolonged time period.
Kidney Damage
When the kidneys fail to function properly, the waste material starts piling up. This can affect how the other organs work. Kidneys malfunction because diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessel clusters that help to filter out waste.
Eye, tooth and gum, skin and feet of the child can also be affected by diabetes. Therefore, it is crucial to get in touch with the doctor immediately, as soon as symptoms are noticeable. It can go a long way to reverse diabetes.