The Tell Tale Signs of Diabetes Type 1

As a parent recognizing the signs of Diabetes Type 1 for the first time can be scary and overwhelming! When we first started putting the symptoms together just in brief hours before heading to the ER we were overwhelmed (least to say) at how long some symptoms had been around and we didn't recognize them as signs of diabetes! Little things like drinking water a lot, in our minds was just because thats the only think she has ever really drank except milk and an occasional juice. The peeing a lot, in our mind was because she drank so much water! These are just some of the symptoms we looked back at and felt overwhelmed with guilt! We had even taken her to the doctor a month or so before diagnosis and the doctor didn't even bring up diabetes as an option! We have been reassured so many times at the hospital, by the Endo docs, and by friends and family that we should not feel bad about not putting the symptoms together but it still is tough as a parent looking back knowing that your child has been sick and you might could have caught it sooner!

I say all this because I know that there might be parents reading this wondering if their child has the signs/symptoms of diabetes and to those parents I want them to know these answers! Knowledge is valuable when it comes to so many medical conditions and especially when it comes to diabetes type 1. Below are some of the symptoms a child with diabetes type 1 could have. Please realize your child could have a few or all of these symptoms (I am not a medical professional and am just posting this as a diabetes mom's view) and if you believe your child could have diabetes type 1 I would urge you not to wait but to see your child's doctor ASAP!

Extreme thirst

Frequent urination

Sudden vision changes

Sugar in urine

Fruity, sweet, or wine-like odor on breath

Increased appetite

Sudden weight loss

Drowsiness, lethargy

Heavy, labored breathing

Stupor, unconsciousness

(http://www.jdrf.org/index.cfm?page_id=103498)