Diabetes in Children: Symptoms, Causes, and Care

What is diabetes in children?

Diabetes is a condition that affects how the body uses sugar (glucose) for energy. When a child has diabetes, the body either does not make insulin or cannot use insulin well. Insulin helps move sugar from the blood into the cells for energy.^1,2

Types of Diabetes in Children: Type 1 vs. Type 2

There are two main types of diabetes in kids:

Type 1 diabetes

The body makes little to no insulin. This type is autoimmune and often starts in childhood or teen years and requires insulin every day.^1,2 This may also be referred to as juvenile diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes

The body makes insulin but does not use it well (insulin resistance). This type is linked to weight and lower activity and is becoming more common in youth.^1,2

Childhood diabetes is a lifelong condition, but good management can help kids live healthy lives.¹

Common Symptoms and Warning Signs of Childhood Diabetes

Diabetes can develop slowly, though symptoms of Type 1 diabetes often appear suddenly. Signs can be easy to miss. Watch for:

• Feeling very thirsty and urinating more often
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue and irritability
• Blurred vision
• Bedwetting after being potty trained^2,3
• Dark skin patches on the neck or armpits (possible sign of insulin resistance)^2,4

If you notice these diabetes symptoms in kids, contact your child’s doctor right away. Early care can prevent serious problems.^2,3

Causes and Risk Factors of Diabetes in Kids

For Type 1 diabetes, genes and the immune system play a role. Some children have autoimmune conditions or viral triggers may play a role. The exact cause is not fully known.¹

For Type 2 diabetes, risk factors often include:

• Family history of Type 2 diabetes
• Diet high in sugary snacks and drinks
• Being overweight
• Low physical activity

How is pediatric diabetes diagnosed?

Doctors use blood tests to check for diabetes. Fasting blood sugar measures sugar after not eating for 8 hours. An A1C test shows average blood sugar over about 3 months.¹ Early diagnosis allows treatment to start quickly and helps lower the chance of complications. Your pediatric team will guide you on next steps.^1,5

Treating and Managing Diabetes in Children

Diabetes treatment for children takes teamwork. Doctors, parents, and kids all play a role. Treatment may include:

• Insulin therapy for Type 1 diabetes
• Medicine (pill or shots) and sometimes insulin for Type 2 diabetes
• Regular blood sugar checks (often several times a day or with a continuous monitor)^1,5,6

Healthy habits are key. Encourage regular physical activity and balanced meals to help control weight and blood sugar.^5,6

Nutrition and Meal Planning

Food choices matter. A good diet helps keep blood sugar steady. Here are a few tips for healthy eating:

• Eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Choose lean proteins like chicken, fish, eggs, beans, and low‑fat dairy.
• Limit sugary drinks and snacks.
• Learn carb counting to match insulin with meals and snacks.^7,8,9

Work with a registered dietitian to create the best diet for a diabetic child. Meal planning and reading food labels can make healthy eating easier for the whole family.^7,8,9

Emotional and Social Support

Diabetes can feel overwhelming for kids and families. Support is important. Talk openly about feelings. It’s normal to feel sad, scared, or frustrated. You and your child can also join a diabetes support group or consider diabetes camp for your child. Share your child’s care plan with teachers and school nurses.^10,11,12

As kids grow, they can take on more of their own care with guidance from you and the care team. Keeping a calm tone about blood sugars helps reduce stress.¹²

School Care Plans

A strong plan helps keep your child safe at school.

• Work with your child’s health care team to set up a Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP) and review it with the school.
• Consider a 504 Plan to support equal access to learning and activities.
• Make sure trained staff and a backup adult know how to help with blood sugar checks, insulin, snacks, and emergencies.^13,14

Schools should follow all written plans (DMMP/504), have trained staff, allow for bathroom and water breaks, and provide help for snacks, insulin, and emergency care.^13,14

Preventing Complications of Childhood Diabetes

Good care helps prevent problems like eye disease, kidney issues, and nerve damage. Good care habits include keeping blood sugar in the target range, going to the doctor for regular visits and screenings, and daily physical activity.^1,5 Healthy habits now can protect your child’s future.¹

¹ Children and Adolescents: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026, American Diabetes Association (ADA), December 8, 2025, https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/49/Supplement_1/S297/163923/14-Children-and-Adolescents-Standards-of-Care-in

² Type 1 Diabetes, CDC, May 15, 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/about-type-1-diabetes.html

³ Type 1 Diabetes, MedlinePlus, Reviewed January 10, 2025, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000305.htm

⁴ Quick Facts: Diabetes Mellitus in Children and Adolescents, Merck Manual—Consumer Version, Reviewed/revised August 2025, https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/quick-facts-children-s-health-issues/hormonal-disorders-in-children/diabetes-mellitus-dm-in-children-and-adolescents

⁵ 3 Ways to Help Manage Your Child’s Type 1 Diabetes, CDC, May 15, 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/caring/3-ways-help-manage-childs-type-1.html

⁶ Diabetes - insulin therapy, MedlinePlus, April 24, 2025, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000965.htm

⁷ Healthy Living with Diabetes, NIH/NIDDK, Last reviewed October 2023,
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/healthy-living-with-diabetes?dkrd=/health-information/diabetes/overview/diet-eating-physical-activity

⁸ Carb Counting, CDC, May 15, 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/healthy-eating/carb-counting-manage-blood-sugar.html

⁹ Type 1 Diabetes: Family‑Friendly Meal Planning, Cleveland Clinic, April 14, 2025, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/type-1-diabetes-diet

¹⁰ Emotional and Psychological Support for Families With Diabetes, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Accessed December 18, 2025, https://www.seattlechildrens.org/clinics/endocrinology/emotional-and-psychological-support-for-families-with-diabetes/

¹¹ Diabetes and Mental Health, CDC, May 15, 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/living-with/mental-health.html

¹² 3 Ways to Help Manage Your Child's Type 1 Diabetes, CDC, May 15, 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/caring/3-ways-help-manage-childs-type-1.html

¹³ Managing Diabetes at School, CDC, May 15, 2024,
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/caring/managing-diabetes-at-school.html

¹⁴ Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP), American Diabetes Association, Updated June 12, 2025, https://diabetes.org/advocacy/safe-at-school-state-laws/diabetes-medical-management-plan

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