What Are the Warning Signs of Childhood Diabetes?

Often thought of as an adult-only disease because it can be caused by lifestyle choices such as eating habits and alcohol usage, diabetes can also strike children as young as 3. At Timberlake Pediatrics in Sacramento, CA, our highly trained, knowledgeable, and friendly team of medical professionals is ready to treat your child and answer any questions that you have. Keep reading to learn about the warning signs of childhood diabetes so that you can take steps to keep your child healthy, safe, and happy.

1. Frequent Urination

Although it can be hard to notice if your little one is peeing more than usual, there are a few signs to watch, including wetting the bed, their clothing, or frequent trips to the bathroom. An uptick in urination is caused by the kidneys trying to shed the increase in unprocessed urine out of the body.

2. Increased Thirst

More frequent urination will lead to an uptick in thirst because your toddler's body is attempting to stay hydrated. If you notice an increase in thirst coupled with more frequent urination, these could be signs of diabetes. 

3. Unexplained Weight Loss

If your toddler's body can't regulate its blood sugar levels, energy from sources other than sugar will need to be found which will lead to fats being burned. When fats are broken down as the primary energy source, it causes acid to build up in the stomach which may lead to a serious medical condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.

4. Vision Problems

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in North America and causes issues to your eye's retina and the blood vessels that ensure the eye stays healthy. If your child complains of seeing "floaters" or blurred vision this could be an indicator of a more serious problem.

5. Irritability

Toddler years are already rough with frequent mood swings, but if you notice rapid shifts in behaviors then it is always a good idea to schedule an appointment with your child's pediatrician for a more thorough examination.

When caught early, childhood diabetes is manageable. To schedule an appointment with our talented physicians, give Timberlake Pediatrics in Sacramento, CA a call at (916) 688-5040.