How Do You Find Out If Your Kid Has Diabetes?

With the passage of time, we can see how diabetes has started to affect kids too. Initially, the disease of the elderly now takes everyone in its grasp without much effort. Diabetes is a disorder or illness that occurs when a body’s blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, is too high. Blood glucose is the principal source of energy and comes from the food people eat. 

Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, enables glucose from food to get into our cells to be used for energy. But sometimes what happens is our body does not make enough or any insulin or does not use insulin well. In such cases, glucose stays in our blood and does not reach our cells.

Though with time, having too much glucose in the blood can cause health problems. Even though diabetes has no cure, people can take steps to manage their diabetes and stay fit.

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How Do You Find Out If Your Kid Has Diabetes?

We have talked enough about general diabetes. Now, let’s dive into the said disease in our kids. As a parent, you know how babies and small children sleep and drink a lot. But if your child suddenly becomes much drowsier or thirstier than usual, it could be a symptom of type 1 diabetes.

Initially, this term used to be called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. Why? Because most of the people who were infected with it were young children. Surprisingly, a child could get type 1 diabetes as an infant, a toddler or a teen. Most frequently, such a situation appears after the age of 5. But a lot of people do not get it until their late 30s or later in life.

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Let’s Understand The Type 1 Diabetes

Let’s understand the type 1 diabetes in kids symptoms. So, it will be easier for you as a parent or guardian to keep a check on your little one from an early stage. Type 1 diabetes is different from type 2 diabetes, which is usually linked to obesity and can be seen in adults. Also, now, it happens in children after the age of 10.

In children, type 1 diabetes is a condition where children’s body no longer produces a hormone called insulin. Every child needs insulin to survive, so the missing insulin ought to be replaced with injections or with the help of an insulin pump.

The diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in children can be a bit overwhelming, especially during the initial stage. Because all of a sudden, you and your little one depending on your child’s age and learn how to give injections, count carbohydrates and monitor their blood sugar.

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for type 1 diabetes in children, but it is manageable. Advancements in blood sugar monitoring and insulin delivery have improved blood sugar management and quality of life for children with type 1 diabetes. So, it’s a piece of good news in a lot of aspects. 

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Diabetes In Kids’ Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes in infants and children can form abruptly. Keep an eye out for the following signs in babies or children:

1) A sudden strange behaviour, such as them acting as “drunk”.

2) When their breath smells fruity, sweet, or like wine

3) When they feel extremely drowsy or lack any energy

4) When they have an ongoing and intense thirst

5) When they grunt while breathing

6) When they start to breathe heavily or have difficulty in breathing

7) When they start to have a huge appetite

8) When their vision suddenly starts to change

9) When they start to lose weight suddenly

10) When they pee more often (infants and toddlers might have more soaked diapers than usual).

What Happens If My Child Has Diabetes?

First and foremost, try not to panic. It can be disheartening to know that your child is suffering from diabetes. At the same time, panicking in such situations will make things worse. If you find any of your little ones’ symptoms match what is mentioned above, instead of reaching any conclusions, take a test. At the moment, there are numerous blood tests for children available who are suffering from type 1 diabetes. These tests help in providing complete diabetes diagnosis and monitor diabetes management. These tests are:

1) Random Blood Sugar Test

It is the primary screening test for type 1 diabetes. They take a blood sample at a random time. If your child has a blood sugar level of 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 11.1 millimoles per litre (mmol/L), or higher, along with symptoms, then it suggests your kid has diabetes.

2) Glycated Haemoglobin (A1C) Test

This test helps in indicating children’s average blood sugar levels for the past three months. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests signifies that a kid has diabetes. 

3) Fasting Blood Sugar Test 

In this test, they take a blood sample when a kid has not eaten anything (fasted) for at least eight hours or overnight. If a fasting blood sugar level comes to 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher, it signifies a kid has type 1 diabetes.

When Is It Suitable To Call A Doctor?

When a child is suffering from type 1 diabetes, the whole situation may cause sudden and extreme swings in blood sugar, which can be dangerous for them. If in case, you notice any symptoms of diabetes in your kids, it’s pivotal to get them to a physical exam as soon as possible. It will help doctors to begin their treatment right away.

First, the doctor will do a simple urine test. It will help the doctor to check for glucose (sugar) in the urine and finger sticks to measure preliminary blood glucose levels. Another test, known as the oral glucose tolerance test, is a detailed test that can assist in coming to a decision about whether a child has type 1 diabetes. But before all these tests, your child needs to follow a special diet to start the procedure.

Final Thoughts

It can be disheartening for parents to know that their child is suffering from type 1 diabetes. Unfortunately, there is no cure for diabetes yet, but the good news is, it can be manageable. So, if you see any signs and symptoms in your child, take them to the doctor and let them take a test to understand their situation better. Sometimes, the signs & symptoms mentioned above do not lead to any disease and can be a false alarm. But it will be great if you bring your little ones for a harmless checkup.

Furthermore, if you are looking for further assistance, guidance and recommendations for your little ones’ health, visit PiggyRide to get best-in-the-world tips & tricks.