NHS Diabetes has supported Diabetes UK and JDRF UK as the two charities combine forces released a new viral video, aimed at raising awareness of the symptoms of undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes. The charities hope to secure a million views by World Diabetes Day on 14 November.
Around 2,000 children a year are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and a quarter of these are only diagnosed when they are hospitalised. The charities’ video features children living with the condition and highlights the most common symptoms, namely:
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Weight loss
- Extreme tiredness.
‘If a child is showing any of these symptoms, it’s vital that they get medical attention immediately: even waiting 24 hours can be dangerous,’ said Karen Addington, Chief Executive at JDRF. A simple finger prick blood glucose test can diagnose Type 1 diabetes instantly; early diagnosis can prevent a child from becoming very ill, and even save their life,’ she added.
Barbara Young, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said: ‘The fact that a quarter of children only find out they have Type 1 diabetes when they are already seriously ill shows that things urgently need to improve and that is why we want as many people who work with or care for children as possible to see this video.’
Watch it here and pass it on! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYlQTylh_0M
