Diabetes in Children with Down Syndrome

In light of the recent issues surrounding diabetes in children I thought I’d do some research and put together some information on diabetes in people with Down syndrome. Is it more prevalent than in typical kids? Some studies show that it is.

Others do not support that theory. That said, all parents should at least be aware of the signs and symptoms of diabetes in a child and know what to do if they occur.

Symptoms of type I Diabetes:

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Constant hunger
• Weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Feeling very tired

This condition must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. If this is not done the child (or adult) could lapse into a life-threatening coma , also known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Type II Diabetes:

Type 2 diabetes is the slower developing of the two. Symptoms are often similar to those of Type1 Diabetes.

• Feeling tired
• Thirst
• Nausea
• Frequent urination
• Slow healing of cuts and scrapes

Sometimes there are no clear symptoms, but the child may complain of vaginal itching, yeast infections, or burning on urination.

In either case, if your child experiences any combination of the above symptoms, it is important that he or she be seen by a doctor. Diabetes does not have to be life threatening and with competent medical management children who have this condition (whether they have Down Syndrome ) can lead relatively normal lives.

Links:

An online community for families of kids with diabetes

American Diabetes Association

Children with Diabetes on About.com

Diabetes in youth

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