Patient's question:
My child is 6 years old. The child used to be very lively, but recently, they haven't been eating dinner well. Their weight has decreased compared to before, and they have been saying that their mouth and tongue are dry. I'm worried they might have child diabetes.Expected help: What are the symptoms of child diabetes?
Doctor's answer:
Diabetes can occur at any age, from as early as 3 months after birth, but it is most common in the age groups of 5-7 years and 10-13 years. There is no gender difference in the prevalence rate between males and females. The incidence rate of childhood diabetes in China is approximately 0.6 per 100,000. Childhood diabetes typically has a sudden onset, with symptoms such as polyuria (excessive urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyphagia (excessive hunger), and weight gain. This is collectively referred to as "three more, one less." School-aged children may drink 3 to 4 liters or more of water and urinate daily, often experiencing thirst and needing to drink water at night. Despite increased appetite, weight gain occurs. Younger children often attract parental attention due to symptoms like enuresis (bedwetting) and weight loss. In infants and young children, the characteristic symptom of diabetes is often enuresis. Polyuria and polydipsia may be easily overlooked, and some children may only be brought back for follow-up after experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis.