4 signs of diabetes that mostly go unnoticed in children

Diabetes in children is exponentially rising, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus. While genetics and lifestyle play key roles, early detection is crucial for preventing serious complications. But oftentimes, the symptoms of diabetes in children are subtle and get mistaken for other common ailments. Here are four key signs of diabetes that often go unnoticed in children. Take a look.

Increased thirst and frequent urination

Type 2 diabetes develops gradually in children, and hence, there will be less noticeable symptoms. If your child feels thirsty all the time, even after drinking water, it could be a sign of type 2 diabetes. High blood glucose levels pull fluid from tissues, causing dehydration, leading to thirst. When the kidney gets overwhelmed by excess glucose, it gets excreted through urine. This is the reason behind frequent trips to the bathroom.

Unexplained weight loss

If your child is eating well, and yet losing weight, it could be an alarm. Weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite is a red flag for diabetes in children. In children with type 1 diabetes, the body cannot use glucose for energy due to insufficient insulin, so it breaks down fat and muscle, leading to weight loss. In the case of type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance can also cause similar effects, particularly in obese children.
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Tiredness

Weakness and severe tiredness (fatigue) are crucial signs of type 1 diabetes. Without adequate insulin, glucose cannot enter cells, starving them of energy and causing fatigue. This can manifest as lethargy, irritability, or difficulty concentrating. Often, parents mistake this for typical childhood behavior or lack of sleep. But that's not always the case. If a child seems unusually tired or cranky without an obvious cause, it's important to consult the doctor.

Darkened areas of skin

A lesser-known but critical symptom is darkened areas of skin, often around the neck, armpits, or groin. These symptoms often go unnoticed. Dark, velvety patches of skin, known as acanthosis nigricans, in the neck, armpits, or groin and are a key indicator of insulin resistance, commonly linked to type 2 diabetes. People tend to mistake these thicker, rougher, and darker patches for poor hygiene or eczema, but that might not be the case.

See your child's health care provider if you notice any of these signs. A simple blood or urine test can determine if diabetes is the cause. Early diagnosis can help manage the condition more effectively and improve a child’s long-term health outcomes. It is important to understand that an undiagnosed disease can cause serious damage.