Is it normal for a 3yr old to eat so much?

[boofer1502]

My sons just turned 3 in August.

About beginning of September he has started constantly feeling hungry ( I feed him his usual full meals and snacks so I know he's not starving) but it's literally every second of the day " mummy I'm a bit hungry" ( I also hear his tummy rumble so I know he's not saying it just for the sake of it) and I'll give him something and straight after he has finished it's the same again! I know in growth spurts they eat a whole lot more but this is literally all day long for a month now!? He has always drank around 15 large bottles of water/squash a day too and someone mentioned that's a common sign of diabetes? Is it worth taking him too be seen by someone or am I just insane???

@Neenook - do you have any useful links to the T1 online community? I'm not in the UK and haven't come across much that is of use here (NZ).

@boofer1502 - when DD was diagnosed, we saw the GP and were told that we needed to go to the hospital to see a specialist, and we had to go that day, and she then rang ahead. I had no real idea how serious things were so gave DD a slightly sugary snack on the way there ... Not my finest parenting moment . However, once you know what is going on, you can do something about it. I was really pleased to get a diagnosis as I'd thought I was imagining things! DD's behaviour had deteriorated (as well as drinking, weeing, eating, losing weight & various other symptoms) & she was having tanties like a toddler. Not any more .

We went into a&e last night as I just felt it something wasn't right and didn't agree with his diagnosis.

The correct tests have been done and he has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I asked to speak to the paediatrician who dealt with my GP over the phone who told us not to go in. I said calmly, next time please don't 'diagnose' not just a 3year old but anyone based on their BM levels. I was lucky to of brought him in when I did as things where going downhill quite quickly. Paediatrician said any longer than a week it could of sent him into a hypoglycaemic coma!! ( hoping I've spelt that right?)
Just wanted to say thank you to each and every one of you who helped encourage me to go drs and a&e I actually think I wouldn't of gone if I hadn't of asked for advice and based it down to other things.. thank you!! now I need lots of coffee!!!

I'm so glad he's been seen and you now have a proper diagnosis.
Must be a shock

I’m so pleased you went to A&E and got a diagnosis. I know it must be scary having this to deal with but at least now you know and he should start feeling much better soon.

I didn’t want to scare you but I read about a little girl of 2 who fell into a hypoglycaemic coma at her childminders and she died because they thought she was just asleep.

Coffee, rests and hugs OP. Hope you're all getting the help you need now. I suspect you asked now rather than before because something small had changed in DS that had sent your mummysenses tingling so good call

Omg! You poor thing! I’m so so glad you took him to a&e. Hope you’re gentle with yourself, OP, it’s a journey. X

So glad you took him. Now he can get the care he needs! Well done

So glad you went to A&E!

The advice helped but you were the one that advocated for your child. Good job OP.

So glad you got a diagnosis and also that you spoke to the paediatrician about it!

@MynameisJune I saw that exact story too as I left the hospital! If I had seen that sooner I'd have gone straight to a&e! The face that you all agreed to it sounding like diabetes definitely gave my instincts a boost that's for sure!

Well done, but I am so sorry it has turned out not to be something more minor. It must all be a really big shock

You absolutely did the right thing and well done for raising the issue about the phone advice too. Really important that when mistakes are made people learn so they don't happen again.

I hope you all manage to adjust to managing it ok and that you have lots and lots of support. I am sure there are loads of people on MN who can give tips about type 1.

boofer so sorry, but glad you got the diagnosis before things got critical. I'm at work at the moment but will put some links together for you tomorrow. I'm sure you'll get loads of input from the paeds team. It's a very steep learning curve to begin with - if you want to pm me at anytime please do.