Know your 4Ts and help fight diabetes ( Diabetes Week :11th – 17th June)

12th June 2018

Stockport’s health chiefs are urging parents to do their bit in National Diabetes Week by getting to know the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes.

This type of diabetes only affects about one in ten of those who have the condition but because it comes on so quickly it can be very dangerous.

Type 1 diabetes is predominantly diagnosed in 9 to 14 year olds but you can get it at a younger age or as an adult. Unlike Type 2 diabetes, it is not linked to your lifestyle so being slim and active doesn’t mean you’ll avoid it.

Often the symptoms go ignored, as they don’t seem too serious, which means many children and young people aren’t diagnosed until they become seriously ill and end up in hospital.

Obviously this is a frightening experience for both the child and the parents so being aware of what symptoms to look out for is really important.

The symptoms can be summed up by the 4Ts – Toilet, Thirsty, Tired and Thinner:
• Toilet – Going to the toilet a lot, bed wetting by a previously dry child or heavier nappies in babies
• Thirsty – Being really thirsty and not being able to quench the thirst
• Tired – Feeling more tired than usual
• Thinner – Losing weight or looking thinner than usual

The symptoms tend to come on quite quickly over a few days or weeks, but it is important that you act on them quickly.

If you notice your child has developed any of these symptoms, see your doctor or practice nurse immediately and a simple test will reveal if there are any problems.

A quick diagnosis and early treatment will help prevent your child running the risk of becoming seriously ill. With good management of the condition, your child can go on to lead a full and active life.