Cases of diabetes are rising in kids. Here are symptoms to watch for in your child
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What to know about increasing diabetes cases, impact on children
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A Texas law is supposed to protect diabetic students at school. No one is enforcing it
Why are more kids in Fort Worth being diagnosed with diabetes? Doctors are flummoxed
Cases of diabetes are rising in kids. Here are symptoms to watch for in your child
Schools can do their part, but to curb Type 2 diabetes, it really might take a village
Type 1 diabetes remains a relatively rare disease throughout the U.S., but its prevalence is increasing. Type 1 diabetics need insulin to survive, so if your child has developed Type 1 diabetes, they will quickly begin to display symptoms. Without treatment, people with Type 1 diabetes can quickly experience full body failure.
There are some symptoms parents can watch for that could indicate a new case of Type 1 diabetes. Dr. Priya Bui, a Fort Worth pediatrician, said parents should get their child’s blood sugar checked if they notice any of the following symptoms:
- Urinating frequently and more often than usual
- Feeling very thirsty
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Altered mental status
- Change in mood
- Increased fatigue
If you suspect that your child might have diabetes, you should take them to their pediatrician’s office for a checkup.
Type 1 diabetes can develop within a few weeks or a few months, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in children or teenagers, but it is possible for it to develop in adults. There is no known prevention for Type 1 diabetes.
Children with Type 2 diabetes might also experience darker skin around the back of their neck, which can indicate insulin resistance starting in the body, Bui said. Type 2 diabetes is less common in children and historically was known as “adult-onset diabetes,” but it is becoming increasingly common among children and teenagers.
This story was originally published May 19, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
