A collaborative campaign between the Irish Childhood Diabetes National Register (ICDNR) and Diabetes Ireland was launched recently to raise awareness about the symptoms of type 1 diabetes, particularly in children. The campaign was initiated due to the critical importance of early diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, and very high rates of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at the time of diagnosis in children.

 

Children in Ireland have the 10th highest reported incidence of type 1 diabetes in the world.1 The rate of new onset type 1 diabetes in Irish children and young people is very high at 37.6 cases/100,000/year. In the period 2019 to 2021 the rate has increased by 21% (or 10% per annum). On average seven children and teenagers are diagnosed each week with type 1 diabetes in Ireland.

 

To raise awareness of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes the campaigners have developed an acronym, TEST, which stands for:

• Thirst (increased)

• Energy (reduced)

• Sudden (weight change)

• Toilet (trips increased).

 

These symptoms serve as critical indicators of type 1 diabetes, warranting an urgent blood glucose or urine test. It is important to note that these symptoms apply to adults as well as children.

 

Worryingly a very high proportion of children present with DKA at the time of diagnosis of their diabetes, with 43% – or more than four in 10 children – having DKA at the time of diabetes diagnosis, according to Prof Edna Roche, consultant paediatrician and endocrinologist at Tallaght University Hospital.

 

“Type 1 diabetes can be very dangerous if the diagnosis is delayed, however if you know the signs and symptoms to look out for it is easy to diagnose and incredibly manageable.

 

It is so important to know the signs and to spread awareness of TEST to your family and friends. It really could be a life saver,” said Prof Roche.