'Parents missing diabetes symptoms'

15 November 2012 09:14

Many children don't get tested for Type 1 diabetes until they're seriously ill as parents aren't aware of the conditions symptoms

Many children don't get tested for Type 1 diabetes until they're seriously ill as parents aren't aware of the conditions symptoms

Children are becoming needlessly ill with Type 1 diabetes because many parents aren't aware of its symptoms, according to a survey.

Diabetes UK found just 9% of mums and dads realised that unexplained weight loss, frequent urinating and excessive thirst and tiredness could indicate their children had the condition. It says the lack of awareness is one reason why a quarter of children with the condition become seriously ill before they get diagnosed. Type 1 diabetes is a condition for which pre-existing medical condition travel insurance cover can be obtained, giving sufferers peace of mind on holiday, but it must be diagnosed first.

Diabetes UK has launched its '4 Ts' awareness campaign, saying that with the four symptoms - thirst, toilet, thinner and tired - being so obvious all children with Type 1 diabetes should be diagnosed immediately. Diabetes UK's chief executive Barbara Young said: "I fear that unless there is a big increase in awareness of symptoms, we will continue to see hundreds of children a year become seriously ill completely needlessly."

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