Juvenile-onset diabetes or type-1 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that is triggered by inadequate amount of insulin in the body. This condition develops once the immune system attacks the pancreas, thus destroying the insulin-producing beta cells. The body tissues need insulin in order to take up and use sugar. Lack of insulin can result to an elevated blood glucose level. The indications of juvenile-onset diabetes imitate the instantaneous incidence of blood sugar excess as well as energy deficit in the tissues.
Increased and persistent hunger
Even though the blood sugar level is evidently high with the start of type-1 diabetes, the lack of insulin prevents the cells of the body from absorbing and utilizing it effectively. The body tissues are deprived of their main nutrient which starts the hunger center in the brain.
Children with juvenile-onset diabetes have marked and persistent increase in hunger. Regardless of how much or how often they eat, children with untreated type-1 diabetes could not seem to get enough food. Polyphagia is the medical term for increased consumption of food. Take note that this symptom is easily noticed by parents but it can be dismissed as a normal aspect of growth.
Increased urinary frequency and volume
The high blood glucose level among children with juvenile-onset diabetes can cause high concentrations of sugar in the urine. The presence of urinary sugar precipitates substantial water loss via the kidneys.
The volume of urine produced increases evidently as a result. The increased urinary frequency is a classic indication of the onset of type-1 diabetes. Among young children who recently achieved bladder control, the increase in the urinary volume can lead to a reoccurrence of day wetting accidents or bedwetting.
Increased thirst and fluid consumption
The evident water loss due to the presence of sugar in the urine can cause a fluid deficit in the body. The brain reacts by instigating increased thirst. The usual response to excessive thirst is increased consumption of fluids or polydipsia. Remember that polydipsia is a classic indication of type-1 diabetes. Since the water loss via the kidneys is continuous, the thirst of the child stays excessive despite the increase in the intake of fluid.
Unexplained weight loss
Weight loss is a characteristic symptom of juvenile-onset diabetes. Take note that weight loss occurs since the body could not utilize the sugar due to the absence of insulin. The occurrence of weight loss even though there is increased consumption of food is quite perplexing and often urges parents to seek medical care.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of this type of diabetes. This symptom is often an issue of concern for parents since it stands clearly in contrast to the usual high-energy state of children. Take note that fatigue occurs since the body tissues are deprived of energy-producing sugar due to the lack of insulin.