Know these five diabetes warning signs

In a post that has more than 1 million likes, singer Nick Jonas recently took to Instagram to reflect on the 14-year anniversary of his Type 1 diabetes diagnosis and shared how the disease has affected his life.

“This experience has shaped how I approach my health — working out, eating well and always thinking about my blood sugar and insulin needs,” Jonas wrote in the caption.

The 27-year-old has been open in the past about his battle with the disease, but he recently shared in an interview with Cigar Aficionado that he was close to falling into a coma at the time of his diagnosis due to his blood sugar levels being nine times higher than normal, People reports. Leading up to his diagnosis, Jonas lost a considerable amount of weight and developed a never-ending thirst for sugary drinks — two telltale signs of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is an unpreventable autoimmune disease in which the body does not produce insulin. It is most common to see a diagnosis in children and young adults, especially during the years of puberty, although it can occur at any age.

Almost all children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes present with similar early warning signs. Parents should be aware of the following signs and symptoms:

• Excessive thirst and frequent urination

• Increased appetite

• Fatigue

• Unexplained weight loss

• Bedwetting

Often, a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis happens unexpectedly, and both parents and the child are overwhelmed with questions and concern. It's important to remember this is a condition that can be managed by utilizing insulin therapy effectively and with a well-balanced, nutritious diet.

• Children's health is a continuing series. This week's article is courtesy of Dr. Vidhya Viswanathan, pediatric endocrinologist at Advocate Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn.