Understanding the Warning Signs of Both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

For most parents, their child’s health is a constant, underlying concern. We notice when they’re tired, grumpy, not eating well, or needing the toilet more than usual. But we might chalk it up to a growth spurt, a bug going around, or even the stress of school. And most of the time, we’d be right.

But occasionally, those subtle changes can be signs of something more serious — and diabetes is one such condition where early detection can make all the difference.

Why It Matters

Diabetes is increasingly common across the world, not just among adults but in children too. And while Type 1 Diabetes in children has been a recognised condition for decades, Type 2 Diabetes — once thought of as an adult-only condition — is now being diagnosed in children as young as THREE!

Spotting the symptoms early and acting quickly is vital. It can prevent complications, reduce the risk of hospitalisation, and in many cases, make a lifelong difference to a child’s wellbeing.

Let’s take a closer look at the two types of diabetes, what signs to watch out for, and what to do if you’re concerned.

Type 1 Diabetes in Children

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition — which means the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, glucose (sugar) builds up in the blood instead of being used for energy, which can quickly lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

Unlike Type 2 Diabetes, Type 1 isn’t linked to weight, diet, or lifestyle. It can affect children of any size, shape, or background, and it often appears suddenly and unexpectedly. One day your child may seem fine, and within a matter of days or weeks, you might notice they’re just “not quite right” — unusually tired, drinking more than usual, out of character bed-wetting at night, or losing weight despite eating well.

This can be an incredibly frightening and confusing time for families. The symptoms may be subtle at first, and easily confused with a virus, growth spurt, or teenage mood swings. But Type 1 Diabetes can come on rapidly, and recognising the signs early could literally save your child’s life.

What causes it?

The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. A virus may trigger the immune system to attack the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Once these cells are destroyed, the body can no longer produce insulin — and without insulin, blood sugar levels rise dangerously.

Unlike some other autoimmune diseases, Type 1 cannot be prevented and currently has no cure. However, with early diagnosis and proper management, children with Type 1 Diabetes can live full, healthy, and active lives.

Why early detection is vital

When blood sugar levels get too high over a short period of time, a dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can develop. DKA can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. Sadly, a significant number of children in the UK are still being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes only after they’ve developed DKA and have been rushed to hospital.

This is why awareness of the early signs is so crucial.

Who gets it?

Type 1 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in children and young people. It typically develops between the ages of 4 and 14, although it can be diagnosed at any age — even in toddlers and infants. You don’t need to have a family history of diabetes for your child to develop Type 1. In fact, over 85% of children diagnosed with it have no known family link.

Boys and girls are equally affected, and it’s important to stress that it’s nobody’s fault. It’s not caused by too much sugar, a lack of exercise, or anything the child or parent has done wrong.

What does diagnosis involve?

If your doctor suspects Type 1 Diabetes, the first step is usually a simple finger-prick blood test to check blood glucose levels. If levels are high, further tests — including urine tests for ketones — will likely be done, often at a hospital.

If Type 1 is confirmed, your child will need to start insulin treatment straight away. This may involve multiple daily injections or an insulin pump, depending on individual needs. It can feel overwhelming at first, but with proper education and support, most families adapt very well.

Your child will also be introduced to a paediatric diabetes team — a group of specialists including a consultant, diabetes nurse, dietitian, and psychologist — who will support you and your child every step of the way.

Life after diagnosis

Type 1 Diabetes means lifelong insulin treatment, but with today’s technology, many children are living full, active lives, doing everything from swimming to football to school trips and parties. Children are incredibly resilient, and most adapt quickly — often faster than their parents do!

Key to long-term health is blood sugar management, which involves learning how to balance insulin, food, activity, and stress. With good support, children can thrive. Many go on to excel in academics, sport, and life — Olympic athletes, astronauts, and even prime ministers have managed Type 1 Diabetes.

Of course, it’s still a big adjustment. Families may need help navigating emotional, psychological, and practical aspects of the condition. That’s where the diabetes care team — and peer support from other families — can make a huge difference.

Remember the 4 T’s

There’s a simple way to remember the main warning signs of Type 1 Diabetes — it’s known as the 4 T’s:

• Toilet – Going to the toilet more often, bedwetting or sudden loss of bladder control.
• Thirsty – Seeming constantly thirsty, even after drinking plenty.
• Tired – Feeling unusually tired, drained or lacking energy.
• Thinner – Rapid, unexplained weight loss.

If your child is showing any of these signs, don’t wait — get them checked straight away.

Type 2 Diabetes in Children

While Type 1 Diabetes is still the most common form of diabetes in children, Type 2 Diabetes is on the rise — and it’s happening younger than ever before.

This form of diabetes develops more slowly than Type 1 and is linked to how the body uses insulin. In Type 2 Diabetes, the pancreas still produces insulin, but the body’s cells become resistant to it. As a result, sugar builds up in the bloodstream instead of moving into the cells where it’s needed for energy.

Why are children developing Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 Diabetes was once considered an adult-only condition, typically appearing in middle age. However, the increasing rates of overweight and obesity in children have led to a surge in early diagnoses.

It’s important to say this is never about blame. Many factors are involved — including family history, ethnicity, diet, activity levels, sleep, and even the effects of living in an environment where ultra-processed, high-sugar foods are cheap and heavily marketed.

Some children are more at risk than others. A family history of diabetes, being born to a mother who had gestational diabetes, or having certain ethnic backgrounds (such as South Asian, African-Caribbean or Middle Eastern) can increase a child’s risk.

What’s going on inside the body?

In children with Type 2 Diabetes, insulin production might still be happening — sometimes even in large amounts — but it doesn’t work properly. This is called insulin resistance. The body keeps producing more insulin to try and keep blood sugar levels down, but eventually the pancreas can’t keep up. That’s when blood sugar levels start to rise.

Over time, if blood sugar levels stay too high, this can damage blood vessels, nerves, and organs — leading to long-term complications such as heart disease, kidney problems, and vision issues. These complications usually take years to develop, but worryingly, when Type 2 Diabetes begins in childhood, they can start appearing much earlier in life.

What are the symptoms?

Unlike Type 1 Diabetes, where symptoms often appear suddenly, Type 2 Diabetes in children can develop gradually. This makes it harder to spot, and it’s often diagnosed by chance during a routine check-up or a blood test for another issue.

Some of the most common signs include:

• Increased thirst and urination – similar to Type 1, but often less dramatic.
• Tiredness or fatigue – the child may seem more sluggish or not quite themselves.
• Unexplained weight gain – particularly around the middle, or a sudden change in shape.
• Dark patches on the skin – especially around the neck, underarms, or groin (a condition called acanthosis nigricans, which can indicate insulin resistance).
• Mood changes – irritability, trouble concentrating, or low self-esteem.
• Recurrent infections – such as thrush or skin infections.
• Slower healing of cuts and bruises – a sign that high blood sugar may be affecting circulation.

Because the symptoms can be vague and overlap with other common childhood issues, it’s easy to miss the warning signs. That’s why awareness is so important.

How is Type 2 Diabetes diagnosed?

If a doctor suspects Type 2 Diabetes, your child may have:

• A finger-prick blood test to check blood sugar levels.
• A fasting blood glucose test or HbA1c test to get a clearer picture.
• Possibly an oral glucose tolerance test, where blood sugar is checked before and after a sugary drink.

If results show consistently high blood sugar levels, a diagnosis may be made. Your doctor will usually run further tests to rule out Type 1 Diabetes (by checking for specific antibodies), since the two can overlap and need different treatment approaches.

Living with Diabetes: What Parents Should Know

While a diabetes diagnosis can feel frightening, it’s important to know that with the right treatment and support, children with diabetes can live healthy, active, and full lives.

Type 1 Diabetes

Children with Type 1 Diabetes will need to manage their condition with insulin — usually via injections or a pump. They’ll also need to monitor their blood sugar levels several times a day. Modern tools like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and flash monitors are making this easier than ever.

With good control and support, children with Type 1 can thrive at school, play sports, and do everything their peers can.

Type 2 Diabetes

In many cases, Type 2 Diabetes in children can be improved — and even reversed — through changes to diet and activity levels. Occasionally, medication like metformin may be prescribed. The earlier it’s spotted, the more chance there is of avoiding long-term health issues.

Encouraging more movement, reducing sugar intake, improving sleep, and managing screen time can all help dramatically.

Prevention Matters – Especially for Type 2

While Type 1 cannot be prevented or reversed, Type 2 Diabetes often can. And even small lifestyle changes can make a big difference:

• Keep meals balanced and based on whole foods
• Limit sugary drinks and snacks
• Encourage daily physical activity — whether that’s sport, walking, or just playing outside
• Lead by example — children mimic what they see

As parents, we’re hardwired to worry. But spotting the signs of diabetes early is one of the most important things we can do for our children’s health.

If you’re concerned, speak to your Doctor. Trust your instincts. And remember — with the right diagnosis and support, children with diabetes can and do flourish.