Awareness

The 4Ts: signs of Type 1 Diabetes in children every parent should know

By Gary Rapson, Max's dad8 October 20264 min read

Max in his everyday clothes standing next to Mayor Bolus

Type 1 Diabetes can develop at any age, including in babies and toddlers. Max was diagnosed at 18 months. Knowing the early signs, and acting quickly, can stop a child becoming seriously unwell.

The 4Ts

Diabetes UK and the NHS use four simple words to help parents, schools and nurseries spot the signs of Type 1 Diabetes in children:

ToiletGoing to the toilet a lot, bedwetting in a child who was dry, or heavier nappies in babies.

ThirstyBeing really thirsty and unable to quench it.

TiredBeing more tired than usual.

ThinnerLosing weight, or looking thinner than usual.

Other signs can include blurred vision, thrush, cuts that are slow to heal, and being unusually irritable.

Why the signs happen

When the body can't make insulin, sugar can't get into the cells and builds up in the blood. The kidneys try to flush the extra sugar out in urine, so children wee more and get thirsty. Because their cells aren't getting the energy they need, they feel tired, and the body starts breaking down fat and muscle for fuel, so they lose weight.

Act the same day

If your child has any of the 4Ts, don't wait. Contact your GP the same day and say you are worried about Type 1 Diabetes. A simple finger-prick blood test can check their blood sugar in minutes.

If you can't get a same-day appointment, use NHS 111 or go to A&E. If your child is being sick, breathing quickly or deeply, has tummy pain, is very drowsy or confused, or their breath smells fruity, get emergency help straight away. These can be signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is life-threatening and needs urgent hospital treatment.

It's easy to miss

The 4Ts can look like everyday things: a growth spurt, a busy week at school, a bug going round. That's exactly why awareness matters. Many children are only diagnosed once they are already very poorly, and a quick test earlier can prevent that.

Share the 4Ts

Please share this with other parents, grandparents, nurseries, schools and sports clubs. Knowing four simple words could help another family get a diagnosis sooner.

If your child has just been diagnosed

You are not alone. Our free Newly Diagnosed Hero guide was made for children in those first weeks, and Parent Hero is written for you, the grown-ups.

Please note: this article is general information written by a parent, not medical advice. Always follow the plan and advice of your child's diabetes team.