Perhaps your child was recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the local family medicine practice, or maybe your young one has exhibited symptoms lately, but you are unsure if diabetes is the exact cause. No matter where you are in the diagnosis process, learn more about Type 1 diabetes in children below. 

Questions About Type 1 Diabetes in Children, Answered

How does Type 1 differ from Type 2? 

Type 1 diabetes means the body’s pancreas cannot produce insulin, a hormone that regulates sugar, or glucose, use. Glucose provides bodily cells with energy, but cannot do so without insulin. With Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas makes insulin; however, cells do not utilize it efficiently. Both diseases cause glucose buildup in the blood, which creates a variety of health issues such as severe fatigue and are chronic conditions with no cure at this time. 

What are the most common symptoms in kids? 

Typical Type 1 diabetes symptoms in children include blurry vision, increased thirst and hunger, frequent urination, and unexplained rapid weight loss. Additional symptoms can include fruity-smelling breath, nausea and vomiting, and irritability. 

Young girls might deal with recurring yeast infections, while babies often have recurring diaper rashes. All of these issues occur because of elevated blood sugar levels, such as fatigue from the body’s inability to convert sugar into energy. 

How is the disease treated? 

Daily insulin injections provide children with the hormones they need to convert blood sugar efficiently. Doses vary in light of what patients eat, such as monitoring carbohydrate ingestion to avoid insulin overdosing. Family medicine physicians recommend diets high in complex carbs such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains since they contain fiber and subsequently slow food absorption. Simple carbs such as sugary treats cause quick blood sugar spikes, so avoid giving your little one too many sugary snacks.

What happens if their blood sugar gets too high or low? 

High and low blood sugar levels cause hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, respectively. Excessive insulin intake, too much physical activity, not eating enough, and waiting too long to eat cause hypoglycemia symptoms such as sweating, chills, nervousness, nausea, blurred vision, dizziness, fatigue, and irritability. 

Hyperglycemia causes headaches, blurred vision, fatigue, frequent urination, increased thirst, and dry mouth. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels prevents further complications, such as kidney, eye, and nerve damage, and heart disease. 

Help your child stay as healthy as possible with family medicine services from HDR Healthcare Network. The primary care physicians provide patients of all ages throughout the Bronx, NY, with a wide variety of healthcare services, including diabetic care. Call the medical center at (929) 256-5005 to make an appointment or learn about family medicine services online.