Doctor lists seven early signs of diabetes in children on World Diabetes Day

On World Diabetes Day 2026, the symptoms of diabetes in children have come under discussion. Diabetes is a metabolic disease. People often assume that because children's food is nutritious, they are unlikely to develop diabetes, and as a result the symptoms in children frequently go unnoticed. In many cases, if treatment is not given in time, serious complications can follow.

Dr Rajat Grover, a paediatrician and neonatologist at CloudNine Hospital in New Delhi, shared key information on the symptoms of diabetes in children. He said that if a child asks for water repeatedly, urinates frequently or is losing weight without a clear reason, these changes need attention. According to Dr Grover, parents should try to recognise the early symptoms of diabetes in children, and should consult a doctor immediately if their child shows these changes.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, type 1 diabetes is most likely to occur in children and adolescents, though it can occur at any age. Children with type 1 diabetes usually show only a few symptoms. These include frequent urination, increased hunger and increased thirst. In some cases, children can also develop type 2 diabetes.

The first symptom is frequent urination. If a child urinates repeatedly at night, it can be an early sign of diabetes. Some children wet the bed instead of getting up to go to the toilet. If a child wets the bed every night and also urinates several times during the day, a doctor should be consulted. When the blood sugar level rises, the body tries to flush out the excess glucose through urine.

The second symptom is excessive thirst. If a child is urinating frequently and asking for water all day, it can be an early sign of diabetes. Parents should not dismiss a child's repeated thirst or dry lips as normal. If these changes persist, it is better to consult a doctor.

The third symptom is sudden weight loss. If a child's weight begins to fall rapidly even though their diet is normal, it can be a sign of diabetes. Weight loss in children can be a symptom of type 1 diabetes. Because of a lack of insulin, the body cannot use glucose for energy and begins drawing energy from fat and muscle. This can cause the child to lose weight.

The fourth symptom is frequent hunger. In diabetes, children begin to lose weight even as they eat more. Parents often assume the child is eating more because they are growing. But if a child feels hungry again and again even after a normal meal, it may be because of high blood sugar. In diabetes the body cannot use glucose, so the body's cells do not get energy. This is why the child may feel hungry repeatedly.

The fifth symptom is unusual tiredness and weakness. Children love to play, but if they tire while playing or running, or look very listless, this should not be ignored. With high blood sugar and incomplete use of energy, a child can feel listless and weak.

The sixth symptom is blurred vision. Sometimes children cannot see clearly or their vision appears blurred. This problem should be taken seriously. A high blood sugar level can cause clouding in the lens of the eye. Even if a child's vision dips only occasionally, an eye check-up is necessary right away.

The seventh symptom is recurring infections. Some children with diabetes can have repeated infections of the skin, gums or genitals. Also, if parents notice that a child's wounds are taking longer to heal, it can be an early sign of diabetes.