Children start wetting the bed

Nocturnal enuresis, commonly known as bedwetting, refers to the involuntary urination during sleep in children over the age where they would typically have control over their bladder. This condition can be distressing for both the child and their parents.

Relation to Type 1 Diabetes:

In children with type 1 diabetes, bedwetting can be a significant early warning sign. High blood sugar levels lead to increased urine production as the kidneys work harder to expel the excess glucose from the bloodstream. As a result, children may produce more urine than their bladder can hold, especially during the night, leading to bedwetting. This symptom often appears alongside other signs of diabetes such as excessive thirst (polydipsia), increased hunger (polyphagia), and unexplained weight loss.

Other Possible Causes:

While bedwetting can be a symptom of type 1 diabetes, it is essential to recognize that it can occur for various other reasons, including:

1. Developmental Delay:
   • Some children may simply develop bladder control later than their peers.
2. Genetics:
   • A family history of bedwetting can increase the likelihood that a child will experience it as well.
3. Small Bladder Capacity:
   • Some children may have a smaller functional bladder capacity, leading to more frequent urination.
4. Heavy Sleepers:
   • Children who are very deep sleepers might not wake up when their bladder is full.
5. Stress and Anxiety:
   • Emotional stress or significant changes in a child’s life, such as moving to a new home or starting a new school, can contribute to bedwetting.
6. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs):
   • UTIs can cause increased urgency and frequency of urination, leading to bedwetting.
7. Constipation:
   • Constipation can put pressure on the bladder, leading to bedwetting.
8. Sleep Apnea:
   • Children with obstructive sleep apnea may experience bedwetting due to disruptions in their sleep patterns.
9. Neurological Disorders:
   • Conditions affecting the nervous system can interfere with bladder control.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology