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While diabetes is generally associated with adults, there’s a growing Type 2 Diabetes problem among young people. Type 1 Diabetes typically occurs in children and young adults but can present at any age. What are the symptoms to look out for?

Type 1 Diabetes:
Medical News Today explains that this disease typically occurs from an immune system reaction which causes the body to attack its own insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It usually appears first in children and young adults, but it can emerge at any age. Although no cure is available there are ways to manage the disease.

It is very important to recognise the symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes which can include:

  • Increased hunger and thirst
  • Dry or flushed skin
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Confusion and difficulty focusing

The disease is serious, and it is advisable to visit your doctor as soon as possible if any of these symptoms are noticed.

Type 2 Diabetes:
The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) notes that there is a growing Type 2 Diabetes problem among our youth, but also advises that parents can reverse the trend with healthy lifestyle changes.

Symptoms are often not noticed early enough, so children should also be screened for blood sugar levels, especially if they have excess belly fat, are not physically active, or do not follow a healthy diet.

The Mayo Clinic lists symptoms as:

  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Increased hunger
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • Darkened areas of the skin, mostly around the neck, armpits, and groin
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Frequent infections

Diabetes screening is recommended for children who have started puberty or are at least 10 years old, who are overweight or obese, or have at least one of the above Type 2 Diabetes risk factors.

Both Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes are serious diseases, and parents should be alert to the symptoms.

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