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 q Unexpected weight loss diabetes – exhibits similar symptoms upon may be noticed. q Fatigue diagnosis. The classic symptoms, often q Polydipsia q Vision changes called the “polys” by healthcare providers, q Dehydration related to the aforemen- q Fruity breath exhibit themselves due to markedly high tioned symptoms blood sugar levels. q Dry mouth q Polyphagia q Polyuria. Polyuria is excess urination. The q Itchy skin q Weight loss average adult makes three liters of urine per There are several symptoms that are specific day; in the adult suffering from undiagnosed q Loss of appetite in younger children to undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, as well as diabetes, that can skyrocket to 15 liters q Complaining of blurred vision uncontrolled diabetes in general – of urine per day. Polyuria can also be a q Nausea and vomiting q Weight loss due to blood sugar levels symptom of overactive bladder, an enlarged q Complaining of abdominal pain being uncontrolled prostate, and urinary tract infections. q Weakness q Slow-healing wounds q Polydipsia is excess thirst. Polydipsia. q 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 q 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 q 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 Fatigue • Early signs and symptoms of diabetes. (n.d.). can also be caused by hyperthyroidism, q Mood changes Retrieved November 3, 2019, from WebMD stress, and a poor diet. q 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 • Polyuria (excessive urine production). (n.d.). Retrieved q Yeast infection in girls symptoms of type 1 or type 2 diabetes in November 3, 2019, from WebMD website: https://www. q Fruity breath both adults and children. webmd.com/diabetes/polyuria-too-much-urine#1 q 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 – q Polyuria • What is polydipsia? (n.d.). Retrieved November 3, 2019, q Polydipsia q Polyuria; in a baby, frequent diaper from WebMD website: https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/ changes may be noticed. In a toilet- q Polyphagia polydipsia-thirsty The purpose of this Clinician Handout is to further explain or remind you about a medical practice. an Elite CE Company An Elite Learning Company This handout is a general guide only. It may be reproduced for distribution. ©2019 Elite Healthcare. Over 75 years of expertise in healthcare education ISTOCK.