“My son is 8 years old. He is always thirsty. Could he be diabetic?”
My son is 8 years old and is always thirsty. In my family we have a history of diabetes from my husband’s side. Could my son be suffering from diabetes?
6 Answers
Endocrinology-DiabetesDiabetesType1
Thirst, hunger and frequent urination are signs of diabetes. Of course, thirst may be due to other causes as well. Testing the (fingerstick ) blood glucose is a convenient way to screen for diabetes. A glucose tolerance test can be arranged if results are between 100 and 200 mg/dL. Family history is a marker for risk of developing diabetes mellitus.
It would be a good idea to bring him to his pediatrician to be evaluated for diabetes or any other problems deemed necessary by his doctor
Hi,
Your son could have hyperglycemia related thirst. Thirst mechanism is triggered every time the body loses significant water weight. It will be a good idea to have his blood sugar and urine sugar measured, especially if he is losing weight as well.
Thanks,
Dr. Sunil
Your son could have hyperglycemia related thirst. Thirst mechanism is triggered every time the body loses significant water weight. It will be a good idea to have his blood sugar and urine sugar measured, especially if he is losing weight as well.
Thanks,
Dr. Sunil
If not already done, an easy test to do would be some blood testing for your son! You're rightly concerned and increased urination (polyuria) can be a sign of diabetes, excess sugar in bloodstream.
Weight loss, increased thirst, and increased urination are the staple signs of diabetes. This is due to sugar spilling into the urine (through the kidneys). Where sugar goes, water follows. This leads to frequent urination and subsequently, increased thirst. In true diabetes, body perceives a state of starving since it cannot use the sugar from blood (due to lack of insulin). This leads to muscles and fat breakdown. Weight loss.
Doing a screening sugar value by fingerstick and some blood work will put this question to rest.
Praying he doesn't have diabetes! If so, no fear! He has a great parent in his corner to help.
CH
Weight loss, increased thirst, and increased urination are the staple signs of diabetes. This is due to sugar spilling into the urine (through the kidneys). Where sugar goes, water follows. This leads to frequent urination and subsequently, increased thirst. In true diabetes, body perceives a state of starving since it cannot use the sugar from blood (due to lack of insulin). This leads to muscles and fat breakdown. Weight loss.
Doing a screening sugar value by fingerstick and some blood work will put this question to rest.
Praying he doesn't have diabetes! If so, no fear! He has a great parent in his corner to help.
CH
Increased thirst can be a sign of diabetes. Your child healthcare provider can help you discern if this needs follow up or is a normal for your child.