WHAT IS TYPE 1 DIABETES?

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that occurs when a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, the hormone that controls blood-sugar levels.

WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS OF TYPE 1 DIABETES?

The signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children tend to develop quickly, usually over a period of weeks.

The signs and symptoms include:

• Drowsiness or lethargy
• Extreme thirst
• Frequent urination
• Fruity odor on the breath
• Increased appetite
• Heavy or labored breathing
• Sudden weight loss
• Sudden vision changes
• Sugar in the urine
• Stupor or unconsciousness

LIVING WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES

People with type 1 diabetes (T1D) can live long, happy lives with proper care and disease management, and prognosis can be greatly improved with a combination of treatments and lifestyle choices.

WHAT IS TYPE 2 DIABETES?

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) occurs when a person’s pancreas makes insulin, but can’t use it normally. A diet that is heavy in sugar, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle all put a person at risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D). It is important to manage diabetes, as the long-term consequences of the disease can be disabling or even life-threatening.

WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS OF TYPE 2 DIABETES?

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in children may develop gradually, and sometimes symptoms are hard to notice. Most children are diagnosed during routine physical exams.

The signs and symptoms include:

• Drowsiness or lethargy
• Extreme thirst
• Frequent urination
• Sudden vision changes
• Slow-healing sores or frequent infections

LIVING WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES

Treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2D) is lifelong, and includes blood sugar monitoring, healthy eating, and regular exercise, which may also be supplemented with insulin or other medications. As your child’s body continues to grow and change, so will his or her treatment.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I BELIEVE MY CHILD
MAY HAVE DIABETES?

Consult your doctor if you notice any of the above signs and symptoms in you or your child. The pediatric endocrinology team at Middletown Medical specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of both type 1(T1D) and type 2 (T2D) diabetes in children, and will ensure your child receives state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment options.