World Diabetes Day: Help us spot type 1 diabetes early and prevent life-threatening complications
Type 1 diabetes can present at any age but most commonly presents in children and young people. It is not caused by lifestyle factors. It is an auto-immune condition, where antibodies cause the pancreas to stop making insulin, resulting in high blood glucose levels.
People living with type 1 diabetes need lifelong insulin treatment to manage their condition and keep them well. More than 90% of children and young people in England have type 1 diabetes.
Early diagnosis saves lives
Nearly 40% of children and young people in England are in life-threatening Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis – and this percentage is rising. It can be difficult to spot type 1 diabetes in the early stages, especially in younger children and infants. Often, children also present with an acute illness like a viral infection or tonsillitis, so it is important to be vigilant for the symptoms and signs of type 1 diabetes.
Know the 4Ts
This World Diabetes Day, NHS England is raising awareness of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes by promoting the ‘4Ts’ via public and patient-facing channels. Look out for these four key symptoms of new onset type 1 diabetes:
• Toilet – going for a wee more often, especially at night. In younger children this may include new bedwetting, or nappies being heavier than usual
• Thirsty – being constantly thirsty and drinking more than usual
• Tired – being very tired and having less energy
• Thinner – losing weight without trying to or looking thinner than usual
If you think you suspect you may be diabetic, please contact your GP practice for advice