Season 3: Episode 10
Signs of Diabetes in Kids
Type 1 diabetes often shows up without warning, and missed symptoms can put a child at serious risk. Parents, teachers, coaches and caregivers all play a role in noticing early warning signs, such as unusual thirst, fatigue and sudden weight loss.
In this episode of Hope and Will: A Parenting Podcast from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, we chat with Pediatric Endocrinologist Dr. Presley Nichols, Diabetes Educator Alison Higgins and parent guest Megan Bowman. They break down what type 1 diabetes is—and what it isn’t—and share practical tips for recognizing symptoms, supporting kids with the condition and creating environments where children can thrive.
You might be raising a child with type 1 diabetes, teaching one, babysitting one or coaching one. Or maybe your child shares a classroom, dugout or birthday party circuit with one. Whether you're deep in this world already, or just want to be a more informed adult in an affected child’s life, this episode will give you the knowledge and confidence to be a champion for kids with type 1 diabetes.
Dr. Presley Helen Nichols, MD, MS
Dr. Nichols is a Pediatric Endocrinologist at Children’s and serves as Assistant Professor at Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Nichols joined Children’s and Emory after completing her fellowship training at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. In her free time, Dr. Nichols enjoys baking, running and spending time with her family.
Alison Higgins, Diabetes Educator
Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 9 years old, Alison grew up embracing a full and active life—participating in sports, activities and adventures just like her peers. Inspired by her own journey, she pursued dietetics at the University of Georgia and then earned a Master’s Degree in Human Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Nutrition at Southeast Missouri State University. Alison has been a practicing Registered Dietitian since 2013 and became a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist in 2015. Today, she helps others living with diabetes lead healthy, fulfilling lives—the kind she has always strived for herself.
Megan Bowman, Mom to Sarah
In the fall of 2024, Megan noticed visible signs of weight loss in her then-16-year-old daughter, Sarah. At the time, the family saw it as a byproduct of an intense marching band schedule. By Christmas, Sarah had lost 15 pounds in less than three months and was noticeably hungrier and thirstier than usual. In early January, Megan took Sarah to her pediatrician. In the blink of an eye, they’d checked into Children’s at Scottish Rite with a fresh diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. Megan shares her family’s experience of adapting to their new normal, offers hope for families of the newly diagnosed and gives real-world examples of how friends and family can best support kids with type 1 diabetes.
Lynn Smith
Lynn Smith is a veteran journalist, podcast host and mom of two boys. Her experience as the parent of a patient at Children’s inspired her to advocate for spreading awareness of childhood illnesses and injuries.
