Patient's question:
My child has just started showing symptoms of fever and upper respiratory tract infection. After being diagnosed at the hospital, it was found to be diabetes. How could my child have diabetes at such a young age? Is it hereditary? I hope they can get better quickly because the child is still young and has a long way to go.Doctor's answer:
Children with diabetes often develop the condition suddenly, showing prominent symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, increased appetite, and weight loss. This is commonly referred to as "three more, one less." School-aged children may drink 3 to 4 liters or more of water daily, often needing to drink during the night. They may experience increased appetite but still lose weight. Younger children are often noticed by parents due to bedwetting or weight loss. In infants and toddlers, the condition is often first recognized through bedwetting symptoms. Excessive thirst and urination may be easily overlooked, and some children only seek medical attention after developing diabetic ketoacidosis.Approximately half of children with diabetes first present with diabetic ketoacidosis, and the symptoms tend to be more severe in younger children. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, confusion, drowsiness, or even complete loss of consciousness, while the "three more, one less" symptoms may be overlooked. Dehydration and acidosis may also occur. In severe acidosis, deep and irregular breathing may be observed, with a fruity odor in the breath. If diagnosis and treatment are not promptly provided, the child's life may be in danger.