There are 1,400 children with Type 1 diabetes in Wales. We are campaigning to raise awareness of Type 1 diabetes to make sure children and young people with the condition are diagnosed as quickly as possible. We are also working hard to make sure children and young people get the annual checks they need to make sure their diabetes is well controlled.
How you can help:
Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. However, awareness of the signs and symptoms of diabetes and early identification are crucial to ensure that both children and adults who develop it do not become acutely ill with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), where abnormally high blood glucose level can lead to coma or even death, and raised blood glucose level can lead to the early stages of organ damage if not treated quickly and brought under control.
Data from the National Paediatric Diabetes Audit shows that diagnosis for 25 per cent of children and young people with Type 1 diabetes in England and Wales is through developing DKA and requiring emergency treatment.
Our 4Ts poster raises awareness of the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes in children and young people (Toilet. Thirsty. Tired. Thinner). The more people who are aware of the symptoms, the better. Find out more about our 4 Ts campaign.
To spread the word you can:
- Email us at wales@diabetes.org.uk to request a template letter which you can send to your local paper asking them to publish our 4Ts poster. (A high-res version of the poster is available in the Downloads box)
- Share our 4Ts poster on social media (Use the low-res version of the poster)
Our 10/10 guide tells you the ten things you should expect of your child’s diabetes care.
It includes the care, checks and help your child may need to make sure their treatment is on track and their condition is managed well.
To spread the word you can:
- Download our template letter (available in Download box) and send it to your Local Health Board with data showing how many children receive their annual checks and asking what they are doing to improve this.
We have a schools pack for parents and schools, available in Welsh and English, that have a child with diabetes in their care giving them guidance on how to work together to ensure the best care for the child.
Why not take a pack to your local school or give one to someone you know?
Find out more and order your schools pack.
Our latest report, “An Excellent Chance: Type 1 diabetes in schools in Wales” (March 2016) includes evidence from families and healthcare professionals showing that there is a need to support children and young people with diabetes in schools in Wales. The report is co-authored by the Children and Young People’s Wales Diabetes Network, which represents all paediatric diabetes teams working in NHS Wales.
