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Diabetes Week 2025: Children, Young People and Diabetes

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The most common type of diabetes in children and young people is Type 1 diabetes. But children and young people can also develop Type 2 diabetes or another type of diabetes. 

Symptoms of diabetes in children and young people

The most common symptoms of Type 1 diabetes in children and young people are:

  • Toilet - Going to the toilet a lot to pass urine, bed wetting by a previously dry child or heavier nappies in babies. Getting up in the night to go to the toilet. 
  • Thirsty - Being really thirsty and not being able to quench the thirst. Your child may ask for a drink more often, finish drinks very quickly or you may notice they generally drink more.
  • Tired - Feeling more tired than usual. Having less energy than normal, not playing as often, less energy for sports 
  • Thinner - Losing weight or looking thinner than usual.
  • You may also notice your child getting more infections than usual.

The symptoms of Type 1 diabetes tend to come on within a matter of days or weeks and you should get urgent medical help if you notice any of these symptoms.  

Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes in children and young people

The symptoms of Type 2 diabetes in children and young people are the same as they are for Type 1 diabetes, but they may be less obvious and develop more slowly, for example over weeks or months.  

But you may still notice some of the symptoms listed above. 

Symptoms of diabetes in children and young people are the same as they are for adults, but they may present differently such as a child not wanting to play games as often due to having less energy.

Research has shown that there are several risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes. These include ethnicity, genetics, and lifestyle. In some cases Type 2 diabetes can be prevented, unlike Type 1 diabetes. 

What to do if you think your child has diabetes

It is important to seek urgent medical advice if you are concerned that your child is displaying signs and symptoms listed above - this can be accessed via your GP or via out of hours services and should not be delayed.  

If the results indicate high blood glucose, the GP will refer your child to a Specialist Diabetes Team or hospital and the test will be sent to the lab to diagnose diabetes. 

For full information on managing your child’s diabetes and how the Paediatric Diabetes Service is there to support you, visit our webpage.

For information about living well with diabetes as an adult, annual diabetes health checks, and planning for pregnancy with diabetes, read our news article.

12/06/2025