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Most parents dont know how to spot the signs of Type 1 diabetes, according to new research from Diabetes UK.
They charity say 9 out of 10 parents dont realise that the main 4 symptoms include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Excessive thirst
- Frequently urinating
- Extreme tiredness
Every year around 500 of the 2000 children in the UK who are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes become seriouly ill before the condition is spotted. That is why Diabetes UK are launching a campaign to try and educate more people about the condition.
Barbara Young, Chief Executive for Diabetes UK, said: ''The symptoms of Type 1 diabetes are so obvious and pronounced that there is no reason why every child with the condition cannot be diagnosed straight away. But the stark reality is that a quarter of children with Type 1 diabetes become seriously unwell before being diagnosed and we need to bring this appalling situation to an end. I fear that unless there is a big increase in awareness of symptoms, we will continue to see hundreds of children a year become seriously ill completely needlessly.''
If you have any concerns about diabetes you can contact the Diabetes UK Careline on 0845 120 2960.
Click here for the charities website.