The family of a young man who had undiagnosed type 1 diabetes and died last year have launched a campaign to urge parents to get their children tested.
Ben Glean passed away in December aged 18 from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a complication of diabetes which occurs when the body has insufficient insulin and blood glucose levels rise too high.
In his memory the Make that Change – The Ben Glean Trust was set up to fundraise for charities which were close to Ben’s heart. The organisation is also campaigning to ensure type 1 diabetes tests are carried out routinely when admitted to Accident and Emergency (A&E) in hospital.
Speaking to the Grimsby Telegraph newspaper, Ben’s mum Karen said: “On admission to A&E there are a lot of tests done as standard. There are blood pressure tests and electrocardiogram ECG tests done as standard. We would like tests for type 1 diabetes done as well whenever people go for checks.
“We want to make the finger prick test a standard test. This test can be carried out quite cheaply and as well as saving lives, could save the NHS high costs of treatment of type 1 being undiagnosed.
“It is better to be tested at the beginning rather than at the end when it is too late. It has to be ruled out from the beginning.”
To promote their cause, posters focusing on type 1 diabetes symptoms have been issued to businesses and schools across north east Lincolnshire. The 4Ts are increased toilet visits and tiredness, excessive thirst and becoming thinner. It is recommended for anyone with these symptoms to see their GP.
To find out more about the campaign or the trust, visit www.makethatchangetrust.co.uk
