Childhood diabetes?

**cheappearls** · 01-15-2007, 06:08 PM

Does anyone have a child with diabetes?

Me and DH have been noticing DS (1 y/o) has been shivering a lot right before and during meals/snacks and after he wakes up but he's not cold. He also seems really thristy. I have family history of childhood diabetes (my grandma and her sister were both diabetic) so I'm really worried.

We were going to bring up the shivering at his next appointment (which should be within the next month since he needs shots) but today I really started thinking it might be low blood sugar. I was just wondering that IF it's diabetes (or working it's way to becoming diabetes) what should I look for?

I looked up the symptoms on WebMD and I almost think I'm freaking out more then I should. It says sweating is almost always present with low blood sugar and ds isn't sweaty at all. But still I'm worried.

**starsapphire** · 01-15-2007, 07:13 PM

I think you need to get him to the doctor ASAP. They'll check him out and then you'll know for sure one way or another.

**Cricket1** · 01-15-2007, 08:02 PM

I wouldn't wait to get him to the doctor. It may be nothing, but I wouldn't wait a month, just incase.

**PrairieRose** · 01-15-2007, 08:55 PM

If you even consider he may have diabetes please get him to see a dr. now.
The 'shivering' before mealtime is a serious symptom. Don't mean to scare you but really, go now. Especially if he's presenting any symptoms at all.

**MOMMYDEAREST** · 01-15-2007, 09:19 PM

tammi- i'm in nusring school & the shivering concerns me, also his thirstyness. there are some other symptoms to look for, but since he's only 1 yr you really can't ask him about it. i would be calling his doctor asap just to be on the safe side. good luck & please keep us posted!!

**Valerie in WA** · 01-16-2007, 05:45 PM

I wouldn't wait either. It's a quick simple test, and your worries may be laid to rest. However, if he is diabetic, he will get very ill before a month has passed.

I wouldn't wonder about the lack of sweating either. An untreated diabetic is likely to have high blood sugar, not low.

**Scattymum** · 01-18-2007, 03:24 AM

I would take him to the dr soon as if you suspect something, valerie is right - he would most likely have very high sugar not low - does his breath small funny - like a sweet sickly smell or is he irritable - DH is diabetic and he is so argumentative if his sugars go high!

Good luck, i hope its nothing ((hugs))

**Neeley** · 01-18-2007, 12:02 PM

Originally Posted by Scattymum

I would take him to the dr soon as if you suspect something, valerie is right - he would most likely have very high sugar not low - does his breath small funny - like a sweet sickly smell or is he irritable - DH is diabetic and he is so argumentative if his sugars go high!

Good luck, i hope its nothing ((hugs))

I agree!!! I am an insulin dependant diabetic and can be the devil if my levels rise. I fly off the handle for no reason. The side effects of uncontrolled levels are terrible. Neuropathy alone is very uncomfortable. Headaches that last for days from when your levels skyrocket. You can lapse into a diabetic coma if your levels are off, and it is not just candy and sweets that rise your sugar. Breads, rice, carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, salad dressing, etc...Another sign of juvenile diabeties is excessive hair growth. DS has been shaving his neck under his chin since he was 3. He is not diabetic but when his doc saw the hair growth, he had him checked asap.

Let us know how he is doing and what the doc says. I would get him there asap.

**FarmerSue** · 01-19-2007, 05:56 PM

Oh Boy honey, first take a deep breath and calm down. My oldest son was diagnosed 10 days after his third birthday. LOTS of diabetes in both families. Symptoms are highs before you see low USUALLY although not always the case. When he sleeps is the bed soaked with sweat? What about his diaper.....is it soaked all the time and soaks through it and the sheets at night? Demanding juice all the time? My son used to stand inside the fridge door with his cup and cry when the door shut. What the doctor will do is ask you to come in for a fasting blood test. You can easily do this at home without the doctor if you want to ease your mind, I do it with the baby once in a while. After the last bottle or snack of the day that is it for food, nothing in the middle of the night. First thing in the morning BEFORE THE BABY EATS check the blood sugar with a blood sugar machine. It's just a quick tiny poke. If it's between 5 and 10 your good. Don't go buy a machine, find a friend or neighbour with one that will come over first thing and help you do it. I am always watching my 2 year old because he is genetically predisposed and the doctors have told us he will probably get it. He has looked low to me a few times but he is also a terrible eater and our doctor has calmed us down a few times over these incidents. Their tiny bodies just can't go without food for as long as they do sometimes.
If your child does end up being diagnosed with diabetes please remember that they are still kids and you didn't do anything to cause it. Learn all you can and always be prepared but have fun and be easy going too, they will be okay.....trust me!

**Megareader** · 01-20-2007, 02:14 AM

I think you should make an appointment with your doctor and have your baby checked out. If it is nothing then you can relax. But if it is something you need to know as soon as possible.