Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not have enough insulin to control blood sugar. Most people living with the disease in the United States are over age 65, but about 208,000 are under 20, according to the American Diabetes Association. The majority of diabetes cases in children is Type 1 (juvenile diabetes), while Type 2 is more common in adults. The likelihood of children developing diabetes has risen over the past two decades, so the pediatricians at Leitchfield Pediatric Clinic, P.S.C. in Grayson County, KY, work to educate parents about signs of the disease so they can pursue treatment for their child as soon as possible.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs rapidly in children, and most symptoms are apparent within two weeks of development. The most common signs are increased thirst, urination, and fatigue, as well as weight loss. Some children might experience a higher level of hunger or blurred vision. Girls also could develop yeast infections

Many children are not diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes until they are seriously ill. If their body goes without insulin too long, it will begin to break down fat for energy. This produces ketones in the blood and can cause diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes develops slowly and can go months or years without being detected, so it’s important for parents to recognize signs in their child as early as possible. The earlier Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed by a pediatrician, the more likely it can be reversed and other serious health conditions, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, can be avoided.

Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes mostly mimic those of Type 1. However, as children become more insulin resistant, they could develop acanthosis nigricans (dark, velvety patches of skin) as well as polycystic ovarian syndrome in girls. Children with Type 2 diabetes also are at a higher risk of developing kidney and eye diseases than those with Type 1.

To learn more about preventing, detecting, and treating diabetes in children, consult Leitchfield Pediatric Clinic, P.S.C. To schedule an appointment, call (207) 259-5641 or send a message online, where you can learn more about their experienced pediatricians. Check their Facebook page to read comments from satisfied parents.