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KYW Medical Report: Is COVID-19 linked to diabetes in kids?

Doctor checking up on young patient
Doctor checking up on young patient
IPGGutenbergUKLtd/Getty Images

KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor


PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Researchers in the United Kingdom say they're looking into the possibility of COVID-19 being somehow linked to diabetes in children.

The work is in the early stages, but it all started earlier this year when some hospitals in the U.K. reported double the number of diabetes cases than in previous years.

It turns out some had COVID-19, others had antibodies.

Researchers say they're not trying to alarm parents. Rather, they're just trying to raise awareness.

Viruses have always been thought to play a role in triggering Type 1 diabetes in children that are susceptible, so it makes sense that COVID-19 may be behaving in a similar manner.

Type 1 diabetes has classic symptoms when it first presents in children.

Researchers say parents should watch their kids for four symptoms: thirst, frequent restroom visits, tiredness and weight loss.