Diabetes Symptoms – Children Versus Adults by Krystina Ostermeyer RN, BSN, CDE
CLINICIAN HANDOUT Diabetes Symptoms – Children versus Adults By Krystina Ostermeyer RN, BSN, CDE
Diabetes – both type 1 diabetes and type 2 trained child, bedwetting or accidents qq Unexpected weight loss diabetes – exhibits similar symptoms upon may be noticed. qq Fatigue diagnosis. The classic symptoms, often qq Polydipsia qq Vision changes called the “polys” by healthcare providers, qq Dehydration related to the aforemen- qq Fruity breath exhibit themselves due to markedly high tioned symptoms blood sugar levels. qq Dry mouth qq Polyphagia qq Polyuria. Polyuria is excess urination. The qq Itchy skin qq Weight loss average adult makes three liters of urine per There are several symptoms that are specific day; in the adult suffering from undiagnosed qq Loss of appetite in younger children to undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, as well as diabetes, that can skyrocket to 15 liters qq Complaining of blurred vision uncontrolled diabetes in general – of urine per day. Polyuria can also be a qq Nausea and vomiting qq Weight loss due to blood sugar levels symptom of overactive bladder, an enlarged qq Complaining of abdominal pain being uncontrolled prostate, and urinary tract infections. qq Weakness qq Slow-healing wounds q Polydipsia is excess thirst. q Polydipsia. qq Pain and numbness in the extremities as This is characterized by unquenchable a result of nerve damage thirst and is typically coupled with polyuria. Though diabetes can cause qq Yeast infections, most commonly near polydipsia, it can also be caused by the sex organs, underneath the breasts, diabetes insipidus (which is not related to and in between the toes blood sugar levels), mental illnesses, and If any of these symptoms are noticed in brain injuries. yourself, your child, a family member, or in a patient, please speak to a healthcare qq Polyphagia. Also known as hyperpha- gia, polyphagia is excessive hunger. provider immediately. n Polyphagia is characterized by being excessively hungry, even after eating a References large meal; it is different than having a • 7 possible causes for polyphagia. (n.d.). Retrieved ravenous appetite after strenuous activ- November 3, 2019, from Healthline website: https://www. ity. Often caused by high blood sugar, it healthline.com/health/polyphagia can also be caused by low blood sugar. It q q Fatigue • Early signs and symptoms of diabetes. (n.d.). can also be caused by hyperthyroidism, qq Mood changes Retrieved November 3, 2019, from WebMD stress, and a poor diet. qq Diaper rashes that do not improve, website: https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/ On their own, the “polys” are often related to despite treatment understanding-diabetes-symptoms#1 other conditions. Together, they are classic qq Yeast infection in girls • Polyuria (excessive urine production). (n.d.). Retrieved symptoms of type 1 or type 2 diabetes in November 3, 2019, from WebMD website: https://www. qq Fruity breath both adults and children. webmd.com/diabetes/polyuria-too-much-urine#1 qq Fast breathing Symptoms of diabetes in adults and children • Type 1 diabetes mellitus in children. (n.d.). Retrieved can manifest in similar – and different ways. Here are some of the most common November 3, 2019, from Stanford Children’s Health symptoms of diabetes in adults – website: https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/ Here are some of the most common default?id=type-1-diabetes-in-children-90-P01977 symptoms of diabetes in children – qq Polyuria • What is polydipsia? (n.d.). Retrieved November 3, 2019, qq Polydipsia qq Polyuria; in a baby, frequent diaper from WebMD website: https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/ changes may be noticed. In a toilet- qq Polyphagia polydipsia-thirsty
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