Diabetes is common and may occur in one of two ways, Type 1 or Type 2. Though there are differences between diabetic symptoms in toddlers and older kids, the effects that lead to both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are akin to some extent. The main cause of diabetes in both types is lack of glucose in body cells and too much of it in the blood. The main difference between the two is how this lack of glucose comes about. In Type 1 diabetes, the patient suffers from lack of insulin producing cells while in Type 2, the cells are resistant to the already produced insulin. However, even with this knowledge, diabetic symptoms in toddlers may at times be difficult to detect. Because of this, parents should pay close attention to any irregularities in their toddlers as this may be a hint that something is wrong. Here are a number of common diabetic symptoms in toddlers that you can look out for.
Initial Diabetic Symtoms In Toddlers
•Repeated urination, thirst and increase in food intake – These three symptoms tend to take place together. Due to increase of insulin in the blood, the toddler will frequently urinate to get rid of the excess sugar in the body. Likewise, this will lead to dehydration which will require more fluids to hydrate the body. There is also an upsurge in food intake and this will come about due to lack of sugar which deprives the toddler of energy.
•Weariness and decrease in weight – Most toddlers are active and playful. However, when diabetic symptoms in toddlers are present, you will notice that the child easily tires due to lack of energy. More to this, the toddler will lose weight because the body has to replenish itself in what it’s lacking.
Developing Diabetic Symptoms In Toddlers
•Irritability and temper changes – Though this is a tough age to call on moods – toddlers are happy and joyful one minute and sulking in the next – you might notice complete change from the usual temperament. This will most likely be brought about due to lack of energy and constant tiredness.
•Irritation on skin and poor eyesight – If your child complains of poor vision whereby objects appear fuzzy, take note because this is one of the diabetic symptoms in toddlers. On the other hand, observe if any open wounds take longer to heal and if the skin appears dry. This is caused by yeast and bacteria that thrive on sugar, which is in excess in a diabetic child.
•Yeast infections – As aforementioned yeast and bacteria will develop in the presence of excess sugar. As a result of this, your child may suffer from diaper rush and though common, this will be severe as medication, generally cream, will not be instantly effective.
Critical Diabetic Symptoms in Toddlers
•Vomiting – At this stage, the child will most likely communicate about queasiness and probably comment on not feeling too good. Further, he might even throw up.
•Ketoacidosis – When it gets to this stage of diabetic symptoms in toddlers, it may be fatal. It involves excess lack of glucose in the cells which forces the body to produce acids known as Ketons as a result of burning too much fat to constitute the deficient energy. This can lead to a diabetic coma and worst case, death.
With the noted diabetic symptoms in toddlers, hopefully parents can curtail the situation by seeking adequate help before it gets to the fatal stage.