Diabetes is a serious medical condition that impacts millions of people worldwide. It affects both adults and kids, but the warning signs in children can be different from those in adults.

It is essential for parents to recognize the early warning symptoms of diabetes in kids to prevent serious health issues from developing.

Symptom #1: Increased Thirst

One of the most common warning signs of diabetes in kids is constant thirst. Children might be drinking more water, juice, or other fluids than usual, yet still feel thirsty.

Increased thirst occurs when the body tries to compensate for the high levels of sugar in the blood by producing more urine and losing water.

Symptom #2: Frequent Urination

If your child is using the toilet more often than usual, it could be a warning sign of diabetes. The body’s effort to remove excess sugar in the blood through urine results in more frequent bathroom breaks.

Children may also experience bedwetting (incontinence) that they didn’t have before.

Symptom #3: Hunger

A sudden increase in appetite or constant hunger may be a symptom of diabetes in kids, as the body wants to replenish the glucose it’s losing through urine.

Parents should note that kids may ask for snacks more frequently or over-eat at mealtimes.

Symptom #4: Weight Loss

If your child is experiencing unexplained weight loss even though they are eating enough or more than usual, it could be a warning sign of diabetes.

The body is breaking down fat instead of sugar to fuel itself as it’s not getting enough sugar from food. Parents should be aware of their child’s weight and check for rapid weight loss that’s out of the ordinary.

Symptom #5: Fatigue

Children with diabetes may feel fatigued or tired, even if they’ve had an adequate amount of rest.

If your child complains of being tired all the time, or has difficulty staying awake during the day despite getting enough sleep, it may be a warning sign of diabetes.

Related Article Early signs of diabetes in childhood

Symptom #6: Blurry Vision

One of the less common warning symptoms of diabetes in kids is blurry vision. High blood sugar levels can result in swelling of the lenses in the eyes, causing vision problems.

If your child is experiencing blurry vision, they may have difficulty reading or seeing long distances.

Symptom #7: Slow Healing of Wounds

Children with diabetes may experience slow healing of wounds or infections. This is because high blood glucose levels can damage nerves and blood vessels that help the body to heal wounds.

If your child has a cut that’s taking longer than usual to heal, it could be a sign of diabetes.

Symptom #8: Irritability

Children with diabetes may experience irritability or mood swings. Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can make children feel cranky, irritable, or even depressed.

If your child is having sudden mood changes that are out of the ordinary, it’s important to check for other symptoms of diabetes.

Symptom #9: Yeast Infections

One of the less common warning symptoms of diabetes in kids is recurrent yeast infections. High sugar levels create an optimal environment for yeast to thrive, leading to recurring infections in the genital area, mouth, or skin folds.

Children with frequent yeast infections should be checked for other symptoms of diabetes.

Symptom #10: Numbness or Tingling

Children with diabetes may experience numbness or tingling in their hands or feet. This is because high blood sugar levels can damage nerves that carry information between various body parts.

If your child is complaining of numbness or tingling, especially in their hands or feet, it could be a sign of diabetes.

While the above symptoms may indicate diabetes in kids, it’s important to note that not all children will experience these symptoms.

Some kids may not show any symptoms at all, making it crucial to have regular checkups with their pediatrician to monitor their blood sugar levels and overall health.