Children with the early signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes need to be diagnosed promptly, before they become acutely unwell with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
The incidence of Type 1 diabetes in children and young people is increasing by approximately 4 per cent a year in the UK. However, approximately 16 per cent of all newly diagnosed children are not diagnosed until they are in DKA. This rises to 24 per cent in children under five.
DKA is the leading cause of death in children with diabetes. Ten children die every year from DKA.
This position statement support the Diabetes UK campaign -the 4Ts- to raise awareness of the main symptoms of diabetes (thirsty, toilet, tired, thinner).
