Type 2 diabetes in children may develop so gradually that there are no noticeable symptoms. Sometimes, the disorder is diagnosed during a routine check-up. Other children might experience: Increased thirst and frequent urination.
Can a child get diabetes from eating too much sugar?
In most cases, a child has to be exposed to something else — like a virus — to get type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes isn’t contagious, so kids and teens can’t catch it from another person or pass it along to friends or family members. And eating too much sugar doesn’t cause type 1 diabetes, either.
How do you know if your child has diabetes?
The signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children usually develop quickly, and may include:
- Increased thirst.
- Frequent urination, possibly bed-wetting in a toilet-trained child.
- Extreme hunger.
- Unintentional weight loss.
- Fatigue.
- Irritability or behavior changes.
- Fruity-smelling breath.
What is the youngest age to get diabetes?
Your child could get type 1 diabetes as an infant, or later, as a toddler or a teen. Most often, it appears after age 5. But some people don’t get it until their late 30s. Know the symptoms of type 1 diabetes so you can help keep your child healthy.
Can a child get type 2 diabetes from eating too much sugar?
Any child who doesn’t get enough activity and eats too many unhealthy foods, sugary or not, may be at a higher risk for type 2 diabetes, especially if they gain weight. However, some children who have a healthy weight may also be at risk for type 2 diabetes due to their genetics.
Can a 12 year old get diabetes?
People can develop type 1 diabetes at any age, from early childhood to adulthood, but the average age at diagnosis is 13 years. An estimated 85% of all type 1 diagnoses take place in people aged under 20 years.
Should I have my child tested for diabetes?
When in doubt, he or she should always do a blood sugar test. If a blood glucose meter isn’t readily available and your child is having symptoms of a low blood sugar, treat for low blood sugar, and then test as soon as possible.
Can a child have diabetes without knowing?
A person can have diabetes without knowing it because the symptoms aren’t always obvious and they can take a long time to develop. Type 1 diabetes may come on gradually or suddenly. But kids or teens who develop type 1 diabetes may: Need to pee a lot.
At what age is type 2 diabetes usually diagnosed?
Type 2 diabetes most often develops in people over age 45, but more and more children, teens, and young adults are also developing it.
How can you avoid getting diabetes?
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- Lose extra weight. Losing weight reduces the risk of diabetes. …
- Be more physically active. There are many benefits to regular physical activity. …
- Eat healthy plant foods. Plants provide vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates in your diet. …
- Eat healthy fats. …
- Skip fad diets and make healthier choices.