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Type 1 diabetes: Is this why your child is always thirsty, hungry?
Type 1 diabetes can present at any age — even in infancy — but commonly appears during two peak periods: between the ages of 4 to 6 and again from 10 to 14.
When your child is suddenly always thirsty, unusually tired, or constantly asking for food, you might assume they're simply going through a growth spurt.
But Dr Anjumanara Omar, a paediatric endocrinologist at Nairobi's Kilimani Diabetes Endocrine Centre, says these subtle changes could be early warning signs of something more serious.
"Type 1 diabetes is more common in children," she says. "However, with our changing lifestyles, we are also noticing a rise in children with Type 2 diabetes," she says.
Unlike adults, who often manage type 2 diabetes with oral medication, children typically require daily insulin injections to manage the condition.
Type 1 diabetes can present at any age — even in infancy — but commonly appears during two peak periods: between the ages of 4 to 6 and again from 10 to 14.
So, what should parents look out for?
Dr Omar explains that diabetes in children can mimic other illnesses and often appears suddenly.
"You can tell if your child is diabetic if they have an increased thirst (for babies, this may present as constant breastfeeding without appropriate weight gain), frequent urination (such as changing nappies more than usual), bedwetting in children who were previously dry at night, extreme hunger, weight loss despite increased appetite, constant fatigue or weakness, blurred vision, irritability, and noticeable mood changes," she says.
Progression varies. "Symptoms can appear quickly — usually over weeks or months — and may be severe, requiring a visit to the emergency room or even immediate hospital admission," she adds.
While the exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is unknown, it occurs when the immune system — which normally protects the body — mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Other contributors include genetics and early viral exposure. "Environmental factors sensitise a genetically predisposed child to start producing immune cells and immune products (antibodies) against their own insulin-producing cells," Dr Omar explains.
If one child in a family is diagnosed, should siblings be tested?
"Yes, screening of other siblings is recommended," she says. "Having a family member with Type 1 diabetes increases the risk for others, even before they show symptoms. Early screening can detect autoantibodies — early markers that the immune system is attacking insulin-producing cells."
Although Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, Dr Omar says parents can reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes by encouraging children to maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet low in refined carbohydrates and added sugars, engage in regular physical activity, and limit screen time and sedentary behaviour.
However, managing diabetes in children is about much more than medication. It requires navigating unpredictable eating habits, spontaneous play, and school routines that may not accommodate medical needs.
"Depending on the age of the child, their feeding habits are quite unpredictable and this can put them at risk for some complications such as low blood sugar which can be dangerous. This then requires constant vigilance by the caregiver," she shares.
Puberty adds another layer of complexity. Hormonal changes affect how the body responds to insulin.
"During puberty, hormonal changes can increase insulin resistance, requiring adjustments in insulin dosage."
Beyond physical care, children with diabetes face emotional and social challenges. "Living with diabetes can be emotionally challenging for children, potentially leading to feelings of sadness, and difficulty adhering to treatment plans," Dr Omar says.
"They often question why they are different from their peers — a feeling that can be unintentionally reinforced by others."
As they grow older, the social impact intensifies. "Children with diabetes may also face social stigma or isolation, particularly during adolescence," she adds.
Even the school day can be a source of stress. "Diabetes requires taking injections both at home and at school to match the food eaten. This can impact a child's ability to adjust, focus and learn in school, requiring support from school staff and families."
