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Type 1 diabetes is a long-term condition that most commonly starts in children and young adults and it can occur at any age, from six months of age onwards. It cannot be prevented or cured, and the onset is usually very fast.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to make something called insulin which is needed to control blood glucose (sugar) levels. Without insulin, these blood glucose levels rise dangerously high and can cause severe illness.
The main symptoms are:
Other symptoms may include:
It is vital that type 1 diabetes is diagnosed as early as possible so that treatment can be started, so if you believe your child is experiencing these symptoms, contact your GP immediately. If it is not picked up at this stage, diabetic ketoacidosis may occur.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious life-threatening illness that can happen with type 1 diabetes. It happens when there is so little insulin (needed to control blood glucose levels) that glucose (sugar) cannot be used for energy and the body starts to burn fat instead. This produces something called “ketones”, which make the blood very acidic.
DKA can be fatal and always needs urgent medical attention. The symptoms of DKA include:
Not all children will develop all the symptoms listed above. If your child does develop some of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately and ask for a test for type 1 diabetes. For further help, information and support, call the Diabetes UK Careline on 0345 123 2399.
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