Do you know the 4 ts of type 1 diabetes?
The rise in children and young adults diagnosed in DKA during covid.
During the pandemic Diabetes UK have become aware of the increase in the number of children and young adults being diagnosed in DKA , some in quite serious ill health . Diabetes UK North team have developed an additional 4T’s poster (below) which they have distributed across a number of schools for inclusion in parent newsletters to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of diabetes.
Too many children and young people are not diagnosed with type 1 diabetes until they are in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical attention. It’s a frightening time for everyone involved.
What are the 4 Ts?
- 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
By making sure children and young people get a quick diagnosis and early treatment, we can avoid them becoming seriously ill with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
For more information on the 4 ts of type 1 diabetes visit: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/
