Juvenile diabetes: What are the symptoms in toddlers?

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It is important to note that juvenile diabetes or type-1 diabetes typically occurs among children or young adults. Juvenile diabetes can develop at any time in the life of the individual but it is more likely to develop during childhood. Remember that this type develops since the pancreas could not produce insulin. In case there is lack of insulin, the level of glucose in the bloodstream increases and leads to a variety of symptoms.

Increased urination

A toddler will start to urinate frequently as the body tries to eliminate the excess sugar via the urine. The frequent output of urine might be small or large. The parents might notice an increase in the number of soiled diapers, potty-training accidents or bed-wetting after already achieving success with nighttime potty-training.

Thirst and hunger

Due to the frequent urination of the toddler, he/she will develop the need for fluids. The child will start to request for beverages frequently or seems as if no beverage can quench his/her thirst. This is the same with food where the child has a large appetite or might eat small amounts of food frequently throughout the day due to the body inability to acquire the energy it needs from the glucose found in foods.

Fatigue

Juvenile diabetes
A child with diabetes is usually tired easily since the body could not acquire enough energy from the glucose in foods.

A child with diabetes is usually tired easily since the body could not acquire enough energy from the glucose in foods. Engaging in play or utilizing any amount of energy can cause the toddler to become unusually fatigued.

Skin changes

Itchy, dry skin can develop if a child develops juvenile diabetes. A sore or open wound on the skin tends to heal in a very slow manner. The child can also suffer from frequent skin infections at the site of even minor cuts or wounds. This is due to the blood that is more saturated with sugar, which is a source of food for bacteria and yeast. In addition, the child will also experience tingling or loss of feeling in the feet.

Weight loss

A child might lose weight for no evident reason due to juvenile diabetes. Remember that this can be considered as a minor or significant amount of weight. This is due to the fact that the body starts to utilize fat and muscle for fuel since it could no longer process sugar normally.

Moodiness

A toddler with diabetes can end up moody or irritable. Take note that this can also be linked with fatigue.

Vision changes

Blurry vision is considered as a symptom of juvenile diabetes. This symptom can be recognized among toddlers if the child states that objects appear fuzzy or has the tendency to miss out on details when looking at something.

Recurrent yeast infections

The yeast infections develop routinely among children particularly during the diaper years. Young girls who experience recurrent vaginal yeast infections might have type-1 diabetes. Take note that this is due to the increased sugar in the vaginal secretions that provide the yeast with a food source to reproduce rapidly. Always bear in mind that a yeast infection in a child with diabetes can become severe if symptoms such as puffiness, tenderness at the site of the skin rash and redness are present.

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