The CGM Blog

How to Spot
Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms in Children

It’s not always easy to recognize type 1 diabetes symptoms in children. Here are some common signs and what to do if your child experiences them.
People can be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at any age, even in adulthood, but it’s most commonly diagnosed in children between the ages of 4 and 6, and kids in their tweens and early teens, around 10 to 14 years old.1 Doctors don’t yet know exactly why T1D happens. Genetic factors and external influences, such as experiencing a serious viral infection, may have a part to play.1,2 Some babies under 6 months old experience neonatal diabetes, an extremely rare genetic condition. Neonatal diabetes is different from T1D but shares many similar features and initial symptoms.3
As a parent or caregiver, you might be wondering how to know if your child has type 1 diabetes. Everyone experiences the effects of diabetes differently, and children are no exception. It’s not always easy to identify type 1 diabetes symptoms in children, but there are some general signs and symptoms you can watch out for.
Common Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes in Children
It can be hard to tell if your child’s needs and behaviours are changing because they’re going through a normal growth phase or if they’re showing symptoms of T1D. Young children may not yet be able to communicate how they feel if they’re experiencing diabetes symptoms. Many kids don’t experience noticeable symptoms at all. Here are just a few type 1 diabetes symptoms that you may be able to spot in your child:2,4,5
  • Drinking more than usual and being very thirsty.
  • Eating more than usual and experiencing extreme hunger.
  • Unexplained weight loss or gain.
  • Urinating more often; frequent diaper changes or bedwetting.
  • Experiencing fatigue or tiredness.
  • Having frequent or recurring infections.
  • Cuts and bruises heal slowly (most scrapes and cuts should heal in 3–7 days6).
  • Being irritable or behaving differently.
  • Yeast infections in girls who have not hit puberty.
  • Serious diaper rash due to yeast overgrowth.
It’s important to talk to your child’s doctor about any new symptoms that your child experiences. If your child is indeed experiencing T1D symptoms, getting medical attention and treatment as soon as possible can help prevent serious high blood sugar or complications and set them up for good diabetes management going forward.
What are the behaviours of a child with type 1 diabetes?
If your child can’t tell you how they’re feeling, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for unusual changes in their routines and preferences. These are just a few type 1 diabetes child behaviours to watch for:7,8
  • They may ask you for water and snacks more often than usual or get a second helping at mealtimes.
  • Previously active and energetic kids might feel too tired for playtime, recess, or gym.
  • They may have tantrums more often or be more aggressive or stubborn.
  • They may complain of a dry mouth, blurry vision, or numbness or tingling in their hands and feet.

Serious Symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) in Children Experiencing Type 1 Diabetes

Some children don’t show any symptoms of T1D until they’re experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA happens when blood sugar gets too high. Since the pancreas is no longer making insulin, the body tries to get energy in other ways, including breaking down fat for fuel. This releases acids called ketones, which build up in the body and can become toxic.9,10
Experiencing DKA is a serious medical emergency. If you notice that your child has severe symptoms, take them to the hospital immediately. Signs of DKA include:9,10
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain or stomach ache
  • Acting confused, drowsy, or having trouble remaining conscious
  • Rapid breathing or deep, heavy breathing
  • Having breath that smells fruity or like nail polish remover
Around 25 percent of children living with T1D in Canada experienced DKA when they were first diagnosed.11 Kids who don’t attend routine doctor’s appointments and those who don’t have access to a family doctor are more likely to experience DKA.11 Getting regular check-ups gives your doctor the opportunity to identify potential risk factors or help you spot the signs of T1D before your child is affected by DKA.11
How long can a child have diabetes without knowing?
The symptoms of type 1 diabetes can show up suddenly and escalate quickly, within just a few days or weeks.12 This is because T1D happens when the immune system mistakenly destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin, a hormone that enables the body to use a sugar called glucose for energy.1,2 Once the cells are damaged, they can’t make insulin anymore. Symptoms develop rapidly as glucose levels in the body increase, and the body can no longer get the fuel it needs without the help of insulin.2

Taking the First Steps After Your Child’s Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis

Learning that your child is going to live with T1D can be a major shock. It’s normal to experience a range of emotions and feel heartbroken, angry, numb, or afraid after your child receives a diabetes diagnosis. The first thing to know is that many people have walked this path before and gone on to have healthy lives they truly enjoy while managing diabetes. There are plenty of resources both inside the doctor’s office and out in the diabetes community to support you and your child as you navigate T1D for the first time. Here are some first steps you can take if your child has just been diagnosed with T1D.
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1. Prioritize Diabetes Education
A diabetes diagnosis comes with a steep learning curve. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore and absorb all the new information coming your way. Your child’s primary care doctor or paediatrician and diabetes care team should be your go-to sources for diabetes education. You can also learn more about managing diabetes from a certified diabetes educator (CDE). If you’re up for doing some reading on your own, a few trusted, medically-reviewed online educational resources include:
2. Explore Glucose Management Habits and Routines That Work for Your Child
There’s no one-size-fits-all diabetes management plan. As a caregiver, you’ll work with your child’s doctor and diabetes care team to determine the right treatment options and daily routines to support your kid’s health and well-being. Just a few things families can do to start supporting good diabetes management habits include:1
3. Ask About How Tools and Technology Can Support Your Child’s Diabetes Journey
It’s also a good idea to chat with your child’s diabetes care team about technology like continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems and insulin pumps and patches. These tools can make it easier to help your child manage glucose and gain independence around glucose management as they get older. For example, Dexcom CGM Systems enable caregivers to monitor kids’ glucose levels remotely.*† This can make it much easier to keep an eye out for high and low blood sugar even if your child is at school or at a sleepover. Dexcom CGM Systems are also intuitive to use, so they can play a role in helping your child learn how to monitor and manage their glucose with greater independence as they grow up.
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4. Get Connected with the Diabetes Community
You and your child are never alone when it comes to managing T1D as they grow up. From fundraisers and awareness events to diabetes support groups in your area, there’s no shortage of opportunities to participate in the active diabetes community in Canada.
Diabetes CanadaD-Camps and community events across the country where kids can hang out with their peers who are also living with T1D.
Breakthrough T1D Canada offers the Bag of Hope, which includes educational materials and a special plush toy: Rufus, the Bear with Diabetes. Parents and caregivers get guidance through the peer support program, and families can participate in regular community events.
The Diabetes Hope Foundation has resources for parents and caregivers of older kids and teens, as well as a series of children’s books for kids living with T1D.
I Challenge Diabetes offers summer camps and retreats where kids can learn how to take charge of their diabetes management and overcome obstacles with confidence through outdoor adventures and sports experiences.
The Dexcom Warrior community members connect on social media to share how they courageously navigate the challenges of managing diabetes.

Supporting Your Child on their Diabetes Journey

Children who are surrounded by positive, supportive family members and caregivers are more likely to have good diabetes management.13 As a caregiver, you can play a major role in helping them build diabetes management skills, cultivate self-acceptance, and gain confidence so they can thrive.
Caring for a child living with diabetes is a tough, 24/7 job that can be demanding and mentally exhausting. Using a CGM system like the Dexcom G7 CGM System to remotely monitor your child’s glucose can reduce a bit of the mental load that comes with worrying about where your child’s glucose levels are headed, and where they’re going.14
With Dexcom G7:
  • You don’t need to perform routine fingersticks to check your kid’s glucose levels.‡
  • You and your child can get real-time glucose readings and low glucose alerts on a compatible smartphone, smartwatch, or handheld receiver.§
  • You and other caregivers can monitor your child’s glucose and receive glucose alerts remotely with the Dexcom Follow app.*†
Simplifying glucose monitoring means you can focus on what truly matters—helping your child feel confident and cared for every step of the way.
  • Learn about Dexcom G7 for Kids
* Separate Dexcom Follow app and internet connection required. Internet connectivity required for data sharing.
† Followers must have compatible smart devices to use the Dexcom Follow app. To view a list of compatible devices, visit dexcom.com/compatibility.
‡ Fingersticks required for diabetes treatment decisions if symptoms or expectations do not match readings.
§ Smart devices sold separately. For a list of compatible devices, please visit dexcom.com/compatibility. 1
  1. Type 1 Diabetes. Cleveland Clinic. Reviewed March 9, 2022. Accessed February 13, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21500-type-1-diabetes
  2. Type 1 diabetes in children. Mayo Clinic. September 2, 2023. Accessed February 13, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes-in-children/symptoms-causes/syc-20355306
  3. Neonatal diabetes. Diabetes UK. Accessed February 13, 2025. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/other-types-of-diabetes/neonatal-diabetes
  4. Type 1 symptoms. Diabetes Canada. Accessed February 13, 2025. https://www.diabetes.ca/en-CA/about-diabetes/type-1/symptoms
  5. Type 1 diabetes in children. Hopkins Medicine. Accessed February 13, 2025. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/type-1-diabetes-in-children
  6. How a scrape heals: Overview. MyHealth Alberta. Updated July 10, 2023. Accessed February 13, 2025. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=sig49202&lang=en-ca
  7. Parenting a child who lives with T1D: what to expect at different ages. JDRF Australia. November 9, 2023. Accessed February 13, 2025. https://jdrf.org.au/age-appropriate-kids-with-t1d
  8. Symptoms of diabetes in children. Diabetes UK. Accessed February 13, 2025. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/living-with-diabetes/life-with-diabetes/children-and-diabetes/symptoms
  9. Diabetic ketoacidosis. Mayo Clinic. October 6, 2022. Accessed February 13, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-ketoacidosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371551
  10. Gripp KE, et al. Paediatr Child Health. 2023;28(2):128-138. Updated February 7, 2025.
  11. Nakhla M, Rahme E, et al. CMAJ. 2018;190(14):E416-E421.
  12. 1ype 1 Diabetes in Children: Condition Basics. MyHealth Alberta. Updated October 2, 2023. Accessed February 13, 2025. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=uq2734

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