Diabetes: Recognizing the Warning Signs

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in children. In the United States 1 in every 400-600 children has Type I diabetes. (National Diabetes Education Program)

Type 1 (Insulin Dependent) diabetes is most common in youth.
Type 2 (Insulin Resistance) diabetes is most common in adults but is on the rise in youth.

“Diabetes is a chronic disease that impairs the body’s ability to use food properly. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that is necessary for the body to convert food into energy. In people with diabetes, either the pancreas doesn't make insulin, the body cannot use the insulin properly, or both. Without insulin, glucose (sugar) builds up in the blood.” (American Diabetes Association)

Early detection and knowledge of the warning signs is your greatest weapon against the disease and its complications.

Behaviors a child might exhibit in school that could indicate undiagnosed diabetes are:
Excessive urination (frequent trips to the bathroom especially in close sequence, bedwetting)
Excessive thirst (frequent trips to the water fountain)
Irritability
Lack of energy, fatigue, drowsiness
Rubs eyes, complains of difficulty seeing the board
Difficulty paying attention

Other symptoms may include:
Sudden vision changes
Fruity/sweet odor to breath or urine
Increased appetite
Rapid or unexplained weight loss
Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
Tingling or numbness in the legs, feet or fingers
Frequent infections of the skin, cuts that are slow to heal Darker patches of skin usually in neck folds
Itching of skin and/or genitals

Note - Many of these symptoms can be related to illnesses that are not associated with diabetes. Only a healthcare professional can provide appropriate diagnostic tests and treatments.

References

• American Diabetes Association 
• National Diabetes Education Program 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

ABRSD: Diabetes Medical Management Plan