It is important for parents to be aware of the symptoms of high blood glucose in children, such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and irritability. Early detection and management of diabetes in children can prevent serious complications in the future.
Type 1 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes in children, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Prediabetes is a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is often associated with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.
Neonatal diabetes is diagnosed in infants under six months of age, while MODY typically affects adolescents and young adults. Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes is common in individuals with cystic fibrosis, while medication-induced diabetes can occur as a side effect of certain medications.
Diabetes associated with syndromes like Wolfram or Alstroms is a rare genetic form of diabetes that can present in childhood. It is important for healthcare providers to properly diagnose and differentiate between the various types of diabetes in children to provide appropriate treatment and management strategies.
Recognizing Symptoms of High Blood Glucose in Children
Irrespective of the cause, signs of high blood glucose (hyperglycemia) are consistent. Common symptoms in children to look out for include:
- Excessive thirst and urination: Elevated glucose levels lead to increased thirst, urination, and dehydration.
- Unexplained weight loss and increased hunger: Despite eating more, weight loss occurs due to issues with glucose metabolism.
- Fatigue: Inability to effectively use glucose results in tiredness.
- Other symptoms: Blurry vision, slow-healing sores, infections, and more.
Although diabetes symptoms in children may be subtle, persistent signs like heightened thirst should prompt a visit to a doctor.
If a child develops ketones due to insulin deficiency, symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting may manifest.
Understanding Type 1 Diabetes in Children
Type 1 diabetes: A General Overview
Type 1 diabetes, prevalent in children, occurs when the pancreas produces insufficient or no insulin, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels.
The incidence of type 1 diabetes has been on the rise, and it can develop at any age, with insulin being the primary treatment.
Statistics on Type 1 Diabetes:
In the United States, there has been a surge in type 1 diabetes cases. Over 1.25 million Americans, including 500,000 children, live with type 1 diabetes.
Causes of Type 1 Diabetes:
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The precise causative factors are unknown, but genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and viral infections play crucial roles.
Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes:
- Blood sugar monitoring
- Insulin therapy
- Healthy diet
- Physical activity
- Screenings for related conditions
Tailored treatment plans by a pediatric endocrinologist are essential for effectively managing childhood diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes: A Growing Concern in Children
Previously uncommon in children, type 2 diabetes is now increasingly prevalent among teenagers, particularly those who are overweight.
Statistics on Type 2 Diabetes:
About one-third of new diabetes cases in children are of type 2, linked to the escalating rates of obesity.
Causes of Type 2 Diabetes:
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In type 2 diabetes, the body struggles to utilize insulin effectively, often associated with obesity.
Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes:
Management of type 2 diabetes in children may necessitate dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, medication, or insulin therapy.
Preventing type 2 diabetes involves adopting a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI).
Prolonged uncontrolled diabetes can lead to nerve damage and poor circulation, making wound healing difficult, especially in the feet, resulting in diabetic ulcers.
### Monitor Your Feet Daily if You Have Diabetes
If you notice any changes or signs of wounds, contact your doctor immediately.
#### Take Prompt Action
Seek immediate medical attention for any open sores. Collaborate with your doctor to ensure optimal diabetes management.
### Unchecked Diabetes and Skin Conditions
Unchecked diabetes can elevate triglyceride levels, leading to eruptive xanthomatosis.
#### Eruptive Xanthomatosis
These bumps suddenly appear due to uncontrolled diabetes and tend to develop a yellowish or grayish color, mainly in specific body areas. With improved diabetes control, these bumps usually disappear.
#### Address Eruptive Xanthomatosis
Inform your doctor about these bumps to address any underlying diabetes issues.
### High Blood Fat Levels and Skin Changes
High blood fat levels can cause the development of xanthelasma, yellowish bumps or patches indicating poorly controlled diabetes.
#### Xanthelasma
These yellowish growths usually appear around the eyelids and can feel soft or somewhat firm.
#### Managing Xanthelasma
Discuss these changes with your doctor and focus on better diabetes management to address xanthelasma.
### Diabetes and Infection Risk
Diabetes weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of infections like oral thrush or yeast infections.
#### Experience Recurrent Yeast Infections?
Consult your doctor to rule out diabetes.
#### Taking Action
Seek immediate treatment for infections and discuss frequent occurrences with your doctor for potential diabetes evaluation or management.
### Skin Tags and Diabetes
Skin tags, known as acrochordons, are harmless growths often found on eyelids, neck, armpits, or groin areas. An abundance of skin tags might indicate type 2 diabetes.
#### Recognize Skin Tags
If you have multiple skin tags, consider diabetes testing and focusing on better disease management.
### Granuloma Annulare and Diabetes
Granuloma annulare is a skin condition sometimes associated with diabetes, with studies suggesting a connection in some cases.
#### Granuloma Annulare Symptoms
These bumps and patches can vary in color, appearing and disappearing, indicating a need for diabetes testing.
#### Medical Consideration
Inform your doctor about recurring skin bumps associated with potential diabetes concerns.
### Necrobiosis Lipoidica and Diabetes
Reddish-brown spots on the shins, known as necrobiosis lipoidica, may indicate a possible correlation with diabetes. These spots can develop into patches with waxy, thinning skin, potentially leading to complications.
#### Noticing Necrobiosis Lipoidica
Highlight the waxy areas within the reddish patches.
#### Seeking Assistance
Get a diabetes test and work closely with your doctor for improved management.
### Skin Issues and Diabetes
Diabetes can trigger various skin problems, requiring attention to prevent complications, particularly with the guidance of a dermatologist.
#### Understand Dermatologist Certification Importance
Recognize the significance of dermatologist certification.
**Images**
Image sources: *Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology* and Getty Images.
**References**
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Diabetes and your feet.” Cohen Sabban, EN. “Cutaneous manifestations of diabetes mellitus from A to Z.”
Duff M, Demidova O, *et al*. “Cutaneous manifestations of diabetes mellitus.” *Clinical Diabetes*. 2015;33:40-8.
Lima AL, Illing T, *et al*. “Cutaneous manifestations of diabetes mellitus: A review.” *Am J Clin Dermatol*. 2017 Aug;18(4):541-53.
Martín C, Requena L, *et al*. “Scleredema diabeticorum in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus.” *Case Rep Endocrinol*. 2011;2011:560273.
McKinley-Grant L, Dronavalli S, *et al*. “Cutaneous manifestations of systemic disease.” In: *Taylor and Kelly’s Dermatology for Skin of Color*. (second edition). McGraw Hill, USA, 2016:479-85.
Morgan AJ and Schwartz RA. “Diabetic dermopathy: A subtle sign with grave implications.” *J Am Acad Dermatol*. 2008;58:447-51.
Pereira M, Pinheiro RR, *et al*. “Scleredema diabeticorum.” *Dermatol Reports*. 2022 Nov 21;14(4):9477.
Vangara SS, Klingbeil KD, *et al*. “Severe hypertriglyceridemia presenting as eruptive xanthomatosis.” *J Family Med Prim Care*.
**Written by:**
Paula Ludmann, MS
**Reviewed by:**
Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD
Amanda Friedrichs, MD, FAAD
William D. James, MD, FAAD
Omolara Olowoyeye, MD, FAAD
**Last updated:** 5/22/24
Reproduction or republication strictly prohibited without prior written permission.