Some of the most common signs and symptoms of children with diabetes include:

• extreme thirst
• frequent urination
• drowiness, lethargy
• sugar in urine
• sudden vision changes
• increased appetite
• sudden weight loss
• fruity or sweet-like odor on breath
• heavy or labored breathing

Children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes are typically diagnosed after presenting with symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, excessive urination, or excessive thirst. Children are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes typically through a urine sample during a routine examination and symptoms are less dramatic.

Some lab tests that may be used to diagnose diabetes include:

• fasting plasma test (FPG): a blood test that measures blood glucose in someone who has fasted for at least 8 hours
• oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): this test is given to someone who has fasted for 8 hours and then is asked to drink a glucose-containing beverage
• random plasma glucose test: this blood glucose test is done without regard to fasting

At Nemours, our registered dietitians are part of your child’s diabetes care team. Nutrition is an important part of proper diabetes management. It’s not only about counting carbohydrates; it’s about healthy eating habits that are enjoyable.

Developing a Healthy Meal Plan

Healthy food choices should be encouraged for all family members. A registered dietitian at Nemours can help plan a healthy meal plan for your child with diabetes. Just as your child grows and develops, so must your child’s meal plan.

A healthy meal plan includes certain types of carbohydrates (carbs), lean protein, and fat and can be used for children with diabetes and without.

Carbohydrates are found in foods such as bread/starch, fruit, milk, and sweets. Eating carbs makes blood sugar levels rise, but that doesn’t mean that people with diabetes should avoid them — the body needs carbs. Since they affect blood sugar levels, it’s recommended children with diabetes track how many carbs they eat.

Follow these tips for healthy nutrition:

Choose healthy carbs that provide fiber, vitamins, and other nutrients,
such as:

• whole wheat/grains instead of white bread, white pasta, or white rice
• fresh fruit instead of fruit juices
• fat-free or 1% milk instead of whole or 2% milk
• light ice cream instead of full fat ice cream
• limit desserts like cake, cookies, and candy, to special occasions

Choose protein from lean meats (cuts of beef and pork that end in “loin” or skinless chicken/turkey), egg whites, reduced-fat cheese, nuts, tofu, and beans.

Avoid foods high in saturated fats and trans fats, as these can raise heart-damaging cholesterol in the body. Choose heart-healthy fats, such as olive oil, canola oil, peanuts, and avocado. Remember that all fats are high in calories, so watch your portion sizes if you are trying to lose or maintain weight.

Drink mainly water instead of regular soda, fruit punch, sweet tea, and other sugary drinks. It’s OK to have calorie-free “diet” drinks occasionally.

Watch your portion sizes! Eating too much of even healthy foods can lead to excessive weight gain.