Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, including in babies, toddlers and young children. Symptoms can appear quickly, sometimes over just a few days or weeks.
If type 1 diabetes is not diagnosed and treated, it can lead to a serious, life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Recognising the warning signs and getting help early can prevent a child from becoming seriously unwell.
What are the 4 Ts of type 1 diabetes?
There are four common signs of type 1 diabetes that parents and carers should look out for. They’re known as the 4 Ts: Toilet, Thirsty, Tired and Thinner.
Toilet – going for a wee more often
Is your child going to the toilet more than usual?
You might notice them getting up during the night to wee, wetting the bed after previously being dry, or having heavier nappies that need changing more often.
Thirsty – drinking more than usual
Is your child constantly asking for drinks?
They may seem unusually thirsty, drink much more than normal or wake up during the night wanting something to drink. Babies may want to feed more often.
Tired – having less energy
Does your child seem unusually tired?
They might be sleeping more, struggling to concentrate, becoming irritable or showing less interest in playing and activities they normally enjoy.
Thinner – losing weight without trying
Has your child lost weight or started looking thinner?
You might notice their clothes becoming looser or that they look slimmer than usual, even if they are eating normally.
What should I do if I notice these symptoms?
If your child has any of the 4 Ts, contact your GP urgently and ask for a same-day appointment and a blood glucose test.
A simple finger-prick blood test can help identify whether your child may have diabetes.
If you cannot get an urgent GP appointment, contact NHS 111.
You do not need to wait until your child has all four symptoms. If something doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts and seek medical advice.
What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
Diabetic ketoacidosis, known as DKA, is a serious condition that happens when the body does not have enough insulin.
Without enough insulin, the body starts breaking down fat for energy. This causes harmful substances called ketones to build up in the blood.
DKA can develop quickly and may be the first sign that a child has type 1 diabetes.
DKA is a medical emergency and needs urgent treatment in hospital.
Warning signs of DKA
As well as the 4 Ts, look out for:
- Stomach pain
- Feeling sick or being sick
- Breathing more deeply than usual
- Breath that smells fruity, like pear drop sweets
- Feeling very sleepy or confused
- Becoming increasingly unwell over a short period
Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if your child has symptoms of DKA.
Do not wait for a GP appointment. DKA can be life-threatening if it is not treated quickly.
Zara’s story: why knowing the signs matters
When Zara was 13, she became critically ill with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious and life-threatening condition that can develop when type 1 diabetes has not yet been diagnosed.
Thankfully, Zara recovered following hospital treatment.
Now, Zara and her mum, Mandy, are sharing their experience to help other families recognise the warning signs of type 1 diabetes and seek help before a child becomes seriously unwell.
Watch Zara and Mandy’s story to hear about their experience and why knowing the 4 Ts is so important.