Can My Baby Have Diabetes?

by Shikha
(Bangalore India)

My baby is four months old and passing urine every 10 minutes. Her father (i.e. my husband) is diabetic.

She was born 3 kg weight and now she is 6 kg.

Is there any possibility that the frequent peeing is indicating that she has diabetes?

I am very worried. Please help me.

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Baby Help Line:

Symptoms Of Diabetes In Infants

First, there are two kinds of diabetes, both presenting with frequent urination. The one that is referred to as "diabetes" commonly by the public is diabetes mellitus, a disorder of glucose metabolism. Another disorder is diabetes insipidus, which is caused by low production of vasopressin, the hormone regulating urinary output.

Diabetes mellitus can be of two types: type 1 and 2.

Even if these diseases carry similar names (diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus) they are completely unrelated illnesses.

Diabetes Insipidus is a rare disease and only affects 1 in 30,000 children.

It is important to know what kind and type (diabetes mellitus type 1 or type 2) your husband has. Although there is a genetic predisposition to most forms of diabetes, they typically present later in life than 4 month of age.

Below I'll only talk about diabetes mellitus, since the other disease is so rare.

While not very common, diabetes mellitus can affect infants. The most common form of diabetes mellitus diagnosed in infants is Type 1, and around of 400 to 600 babies is affected in the United States.

Type 2 diabetes is far less common in babies, but does exist and genetics play a stronger role here than for Type 1 diabetes.

The difference between these two forms of diabetes is that in type 1 diabetes, the pancreas doesn't produce insulin at all, while in type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin but the body's cells aren't able to absorb it.

In both cases, glucose builds up in the blood, overflows into the urine, and passes out of the body — which means it doesn't get used for energy.

You don't mention which type of diabetes your husband has. But since the condition obviously exists in the family, I do believe that talking to a doctor about your baby's frequent urination may be prudent.

The fact that your baby has gained weight is a good sign, though, and if the only "symptom" your baby has is peeing frequently, then diabetes is not very likely.

More symptoms to look for are:

• The baby is very thirsty and/or hungry
• Frequent urination
• Baby loses weight suddenly
• Funny, sweet-smelling breath or blurred vision
• The baby is very tired and/or fussy
• Diaper rashes and yeast infections that won't go away

Unless your baby is very thirsty, tired and maybe has started to lose some weight, she is not likely to have diabetes.

If anything is wrong with her, a urinary tract infection (UTI) is probably more likely. Another possible cause of frequent urination may be the kidney disorder known as renal tubular acidosis.

However, since diabetes is such a serious condition, I think you should take your daughter to a doctor. Then she can easily be checked for both diabetes, UTI and other diseases, through blood and urine tests.

I really hope there is nothing to be concerned about. Wish you good luck!

Paula
(Answer approved by our Medical Reference Team)

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More On Babies And Frequent Urination

• Frequent Urination in 6-Month_old


• How To Know If Baby Is Peeing Too Often?


• Baby Pees So Often - Normal?


• Type 1 Diabetes In Children (Mayo Clinic) (External link)

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