Diabetes in Children: Who Is at Risk and How To Recognize It

28. Oktober 2025

2 Min. Lesezeit

Ratgeber öffnen Sammlung öffnen Serie öffnen

A child’s diabetes diagnosis always comes as a shock to his or her parents. However, it is better to detect it sooner rather than later. What symptoms should parents look out for?

Wichtigste Erkenntnisse

A child’s diabetes diagnosis always comes as a shock to his or her parents.
Background
Risk group

Für wen das ist

Für alle, die Pädiatrie über insulin, Glukose erkunden.

Warum es wichtig ist

Dieser Artikel hilft dir, dich schnell zu orientieren, und führt dich dann zu einer Sammlung oder Serie, wenn du weitermachen möchtest.

Artikelautor

Dr. Ely

Allgemeinmedizinerin

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a disease associated with impaired production of the hormone insulin. The development of type 1 diabetes is caused by disruption of the beta cells of the pancreas, which leads to absolute insulin deficiency. This results in chronic hyperglycemia (elevated blood glucose levels).

The basis of type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance, which is a decrease in the sensitivity to insulin of insulin-dependent tissues of the body, primarily muscle, and fat with subsequent failure of glucose metabolism and its flow to these tissues. This leads to relative insulin deficiency (normal amount of insulin, which is not enough for normal digestion of glucose).

More than 90 % of all cases of diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents are type 1. The peak of the primary diagnosis is from 8–20 years old.

Risk group

There are many theories about the risk factors for diabetes. To date, only genetic predisposition, as well as acute and chronic pancreatitis (which over time leads to the destruction of pancreatic tissue), have shown to be linked to diabetes.

If the child or family has a history of autoimmune diseases (this can include issues of the thyroid, lupus, vitiligo, etc.), there is a slightly higher chance that the child may have type 1 diabetes.

Symptoms to look for

Type 1 diabetes often show up in children with the following symptoms:

Unquenchable thirst — the child drinks lots of ice water
Frequent and abundant urination
Increased appetite
Rapid weight loss, even though the child eats a lot
Muscle weakness, lethargy
Decreased activity, sleepiness, attention issues
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain

Type 2 diabetes in its initial stages often does not show itself at all or begins with metabolic disorders and obesity. The child might complain of decreased vision or acne, which during puberty may look like normal blackheads all over the body.

Whatever type of diabetes a child has, medical attention should be sought after as soon as possible. This will avoid dangerous side effects and complications.

Weiterlesen

Pädiatrie#Hämoglobin

Blood Transfusion for Premature Babies: A New Perspective

The largest randomized clinical trial on blood transfusion to premature babies was completed by Dr. Haresh Kirpalani of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Edward Bell of the University of Iowa, and colleagues from the Neonatal Research Network, including Dr. Rosemary Higgins of the George Mason University College of Health and Human Services. The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. To date, this is the most ambitious research in the world that examines blood transfusion in premature babies.

Darya28. Okt. 2025

Pädiatrie#kinder

How to Train the Vestibular Apparatus in Children

How do you know if your child has a weak vestibular apparatus? It could be that they get sick when traveling, easily lose coordination and balance, especially on uneven surfaces, or have a fear of falling. Or they could be afraid of taking the elevator and cycling. If this sounds familiar, how can you help your child?

Dr. Tatjana28. Okt. 2025

Gesundheit von Frauen#verhütung

What Is the Pearl Index and How Does It Help Avoid Unwanted Pregnancy?

What kind of protection during sex is the most effective? No need to argue, everything has been decided for a long time.

Dr. Ely28. Okt. 2025

Diabetes#Diabetes

Diabetes: Eine Revolution in der Behandlung

Diabetes ist für viele Menschen auf der ganzen Welt ein ernstes Problem. Es werden erhebliche Summen in die Forschung und in die Finanzierung investiert, um mehr darüber zu erfahren. Auf welche Innovationen sollten wir demnächst warten?

Dr. Asya28. Okt. 2025

Installiere Ornament, um nicht nur diese Artikel zu lesen, sondern auch deine Gesundheit zu verfolgen, Testergebnisse zu speichern und auf weitere nützliche Funktionen zuzugreifen

Ornament installieren