Parents and healthcare professionals are being urged to make themselves aware of the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children.

Diabetes Ireland and the Irish Childhood Diabetes Register have launched a campaign highlighting the importance of early diagnosis of this condition, which affects around one in every 500 children.

In recent years, Diabetes Ireland has been working to highlight the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes affects more people and tends to get more attention in the media due to its links with having an unhealthy lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly greatly reduces a person's risk of developing type 2.

However type 1 diabetes is not related to lifestyle factors and it cannot be prevented or reversed. It is an autoimmune disease, which always requires treatment with insulin injections. Up to five children and teenagers are diagnosed with type 1 in Ireland every week.

This latest campaign was triggered by a rise in the number of children and teenagers being admitted to Irish hospitals with a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur if a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is delayed.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is caused by a lack of insulin in the body and early symptoms can include feeling very thirsty, feeling sick, abdominal pain and passing large amounts of urine.

In 2014, one in six children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in Ireland was admitted to hospital with DKA.

However, a simple finger prick glucose test can lead to a prompt diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, thereby avoiding the risk of developing DKA.

"Knowing the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes is vital. Up to five children and teenagers are diagnosed each week with type 1 diabetes in Ireland and up to 25% of these cases have delayed diagnosis resulting in critical illness," commented Dr Anna Clarke of Diabetes Ireland.

The four main symptoms of type diabetes are excessive thirst, having to use the toilet a lot, tiredness and weight loss. In younger children, symptoms may be more obscure, such as lack of concentration, hunger, bedwetting, abdominal pain and recurrent infections.

"A simple blood glucose test can be carried out by any healthcare professional straight away to rule out type 1 diabetes. If parents recognise these symptoms they should seek medical attention straight away. Ask your GP for a finger prick blood glucose test and check for type 1 diabetes rather than wait. Early diagnosis is very important," Dr Clarke added.

For more information on type 1 diabetes, click here