Symptomsof Juv, diabetes?

[3babies]

Hi,
I'm new here. My 21 month old daughter has been having trouble with her eyes lately. She is VERY sensitive to light and has recently developed dark circles and itchiness.  I was looking online about light sensitivity and found that it can be connected to diabetes.  I stumbled across this forumin my research and after reading several posts wouldlike your opinions.

She does seem to drink an excessive amountof water (gulping when she drinks), she urinates frequently, has dry skin on her legs, and nowthe light sensitivity.  I made an appt. with both our optomistrist and ped.  But htey aren't until tomorrow and next week.  Are these all signs or not?

I really appreciate your help in advance.

[JDRF-Team-LRS]

Hello 3babies,
You've come to a good place for information about juvenile diabetes.  It is great that you've contaacted your child's pediatrician, since that is first call I would tell you to make.  The symptoms you describe are some of the classic symptoms of juvenile diabetes.  I'm not a physician, and so my perception is "just" that of a person who's had diabetes for a long time.

It will likely be helpful for you to be able describe patterns (thirst, appetite, moods, and any triggers you might've noticed) to the doctor, much as you've done for us here.  The doctor may give your child a simple in-house "finger-stick" blood test just to get a current reading.

If, in fact, your child is diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, that information can feel frightening to parents, siblings, and the child.  Please know that there are good treatment options now available, also.  I encourage you (plural) to include more than "just" the medical details in your approach to this disease.  As with any chronic illness, and particularly those that strike children, there are social, emotional, and spiritual stresses and needs.  Dealing with the whole person and not "a patient" can help nurture a competent & self-confident whole person.

You will find that informing yourselves will be key to your family's success in managing and LIVING life even with diabetes as part of it.  JDRF and others are also actively engaged in reseaerch that has resulted in our progress since "the early days" of treating diagnosis.  I also live each day KNOWING that prevention & cures will be found in my lifetime.

Will you let us know what you find out tomorrow?  We all wish you the best.

[3babies]

Thanks for the info.  The appt. isn't until the afternoon with the eye dr. and Monday with the ped.  I will definitely post what happens.  And YES, it already feels scary even at the prospect.  Thanks again for the info. and support.