Diabetes UK and JDRF UK believe everyone needs to be aware of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes. We are working together to raise awareness of the condition and to make sure the signs and symptoms are spotted immediately.
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Please share this video with your friends, family and schools to make sure they are aware of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes. If not diagnosed quickly enough, your child will get very sick, very quickly.
Thirst – is your child drinking more than usual, or never seems to be satisfied after drinking large amounts?
Going to the toilet a lot – is your child weeing more frequently? Are they getting up several times in the night to go to the loo? Have they started wetting the bed again? Are your baby’s nappies heavier and more frequent than usual?
Tiredness – is it difficult to wake your child in the mornings? Are they more lethargic during the day and sleeping for longer?
Weightloss – has your child lost weight? Are their clothes fitting more loosely than before?
If your child has one or more of these symptoms, go to your GP immediately and insist on a blood glucose test there and then. It’s a quick, easy and you’ll get the result straight away.
It’s important to act quickly.
What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes develops when the insulin-producing cells in the body have been destroyed and the body is unable to produce any insulin.
Our bodies need insulin to get energy from food. Insulin is the key that unlocks the door to our body’s cells. Once the door is unlocked glucose from the food we eat can enter the cells where it is used as fuel. In Type 1 diabetes the body can’t make any insulin so there is no key to unlock the door and the glucose builds up in the blood.
Nobody knows for sure why these insulin-producing cells have been destroyed but the most likely cause is the body having an abnormal reaction to them. This may be triggered by a virus or other infection. Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age but usually appears before the age of 40, and especially in childhood.
For more information about type 1 diabetes, visit:
If you would ilke to speak to someone about any concerns you may have, contact the Diabetes UK Careline on 0845 120 2960.