My son is concerning me with his symptoms, im worried he may be diabetic... my 5 yr old son has been exhibiting oddball symptoms that mirrior those of diabetes symptoms. we have a long family history of diabetes, both type 1 and type 2. my sister is type

Hi : Hi there - thanks for this question. I too would be concerned about the symptoms you are describing, especially considering your strong family history of diabetes (both types)! furthermore, your history of gestational diabetes puts him at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In children, diabetes may not always present with the "classic" symptoms - but you do describe one, which is the constant hunger. Some children do not have weight loss, especially if their diabetes is related to their being overweight or obese. If you would like to know where your child's weight falls, i recommend using the bmi calculator at: http://apps.Nccd.Cdc.Gov/dnpabmi/. If he is at a higher than recommended weight, he could be at risk of type 2 diabetes. I am concerned that your son has had blood sugars over 200 - this would make me refer him to a pediatric endocrinologist immediately! in general, we worry about fasting blood sugars >= 126 (although 100-125 is considered "pre-diabetes"), 2 hour glucose tolerance test sugars >= 200 (again, 140 - 199 is considered "pre-diabetes"), or a hba1c >= 6.5% (again, 5.7 - 6.5% is "pre-diabetes). In our endocrine clinic, the doctors will see children with the pre-diabetes range values to work with nutritionists to reverse the process, if we think it is due to obesity. In our pediatrics clinic, we typically use a hba1c as a screening measure so i would definitely be concerned if his value was >= 5.7%. Bottom line: ask your doctor to refer him to pediatric endocrinology! good luck! i hope this is helpful. Sincerely, dr. Marney gundlach.

See your provider: 5 is young for either type of diabetes mellitus, but not too young to be concerned. See your pediatrician, who can do simple tests to determine if your son has diabetes. If your son is having frequent urination, weight loss or no gain despite increased appetite, or has fruity breath, these would be reasons to go to see a provider this week.

Urine dip: T1dm occurs in kids any age. If he has diabetes, then he should be very thirsty, including night, & urinating a lot, wetting bed or waking for bathroom. Dka is medical emergency: abd pain, vomiting, dry lips, fast breathing should prompt immediate medical attention. If urine is + glucose/ketones, then + t1dm. No glucose in urine, no t1dm. T2dm almost unheard of in this age group.