What is an additional symptom that a parent may notice in a child with potential diabetes?

Unexplained weight loss is a significant symptom that can indicate potential diabetes in a child. In diabetes, the body is unable to effectively use glucose due to either a lack of insulin (as in Type 1 diabetes) or insulin resistance (as in Type 2 diabetes). When glucose cannot enter the cells for energy, the body starts breaking down fat and muscle stores to compensate for the energy deficit. This process leads to unexplained weight loss, which can be one of the first noticeable signs of the condition.

Monitoring for this symptom is crucial, as early identification of diabetes can lead to timely intervention and management of the disease. Other symptoms may also be present, but weight loss directly reflects the body's struggle to manage glucose levels and energy needs, making it a crucial indicator for parents to observe.