Could It Be Type 1 Diabetes? Signs Every Parent Should Know

As a parent, you’re tuned in to the little changes in your child- when they’re more tired than usual, thirstier or just not quite themselves. But what if these changes are more than just a passing bug or a growth spurt?

It’s important to know that Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) can develop in children of any age, from infancy to the teenage years- and it can happen suddenly within a few days or over a few weeks. While it’s often associated with childhood and adolescence, T1D can occur at any point in life, infancy to the elderly, due to an autoimmune reaction where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas.

Here we’ll walk you through the signs and symptoms to look out for, what to do if you’re worried, what happens after diagnosis and why awareness of the 4T’s can save lives.

What are the Signs of Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 Diabetes often comes on quickly- sometimes over just a few days. It’s easy to confuse early symptoms with a virus or even growing pains, which is why knowing the 4Ts can make all the difference:

• Toilet- Going more than usual or wetting the bed again in a previously dry child

• Thirsty- Constantly thirsty, can’t be quenched

• Tired- More exhausted than usual, sleepy or lacking energy- even after sleep

• Thinner- Sudden or unexplained weight loss, even if eating lots

In babies and toddlers, you may also notice:

• Heavy nappies, even overnight

• More frequent nappy rash

• Vomiting or unusual breath smells (sweet or fruity- almost like a nail polish scent)

• Lethargy or unusual sleepiness

Other symptoms

• Blurred vision- children might say things look fuzzy or hard to see

• Thrush or nappy rash- recurring infections, especially in babies or toddlers

• Tummy pain, vomiting or confusion- signs the condition may be advancing into dangerous territory called diabetic detoacidosis (DKA)

Left untreated, symptoms can quickly progress to Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)- a life-threatening emergency. That’s why early recognition is so vital.

Pro Tip: If your child is in nursery or school- speak to their carer or teacher regarding any symptoms they may be seeing.

How Common Is Type 1 Diabetes in the U.K.?

Around 35,000 children and young people under 19 live with Diabetes in the U.K. according to Diabetes UK. 96% have Type 1 Diabetes, roughly 33,600. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open journal, highlighted an increase in the number of young people being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes since the Covid pandemic. The increase described as “substantial” saw a 14% rise in the number of T1D diagnoses in the first year and a 27% rise in diagnoses during the second year. The research and findings are further explained by Breakthrough T1D here.

What Should I Do if I Think My Child Has Symptoms?

If you notice any of the signs listed above, don’t wait. You have every right to trust your instincts. Contact your GP urgently and ask for a finger-prick blood glucose test. It takes seconds and could save your child’s life.

If you can not get in to see your GP urgently or if your child is vomiting, drowsy, confused or breathing heavily, go straight to A&E, as this could indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, which needs emergency treatment.

Here is what typically happens next:

At the GP Surgery:

• The GP or nurse will do a finger-prick blood glucose test to check your child’s blood sugar level

• If the reading is high (usually over 11 mmol/L), they may also check for ketones using a urine sample or blood ketone meter

• If Type 1 Diabetes is suspected, your child will be referred straight to hospital, usually the nearest paediatric ward.

At the Hospital:

• The hospital team will carry out further tests to confirm the diagnosis:

  • Venous blood tests to check blood sugar, ketones, pH balance and electrolyte levels

  • Tests for autoantibodies, which confirm the autoimmune nature of Type 1 Diabetes

• If your child is in Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), treatment begins immediately in a high-dependency or paediatric intensive care setting.

• If not in DKA, your child will be admitted to the paediatric diabetes unit to stabilise blood sugars and start insulin.

What Happens Immediately After Diagnosis?

If your child is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, they will usually be admitted to hospital straight away. You’ll likely be in a paediatric diabetes ward, where a team of specialists- including diabetes nurses, dietitians and consultants- will help stabilise your child’s blood sugars and begin treatment.

This will involve:

• Learning how to check blood glucose levels

• Starting insulin therapy (usually via injections or an insulin pump)

• Understanding how to manage food, exercise and illness

• Emotional support for both your child and your family

It can feel overwhelming, but you won’t be doing this alone. The NHS provides long-term, structured support through a dedicated paediatric diabetes team. We also have lots of information and support to guide you at every stage of this journey on T1D Wave Rider.

Final Thought

Type 1 Diabetes isn’t caused by sugar, poor diet or anything a parent or child did wrong- it’s an autoimmune condition and it can happen to anyone. But with awareness of symptoms, early diagnosis, the right care and support- children and young people with T1D can live full, active, happy lives.

If you’re concerned, speak up. The earlier the diagnosis, the safer your child will be. By knowing and sharing the 4Ts, you might not just help your own child- you could help someone else spot the signs early, too.