Welsh Body Backs Routine Diabetes Tests In Children To Prevent Deaths From Type 1 Diabetes

[DCUK NewsBot]

A mother, who lost her son because his type 1 diabetes went undiagnosed, says she feels "overwhelmed" after a leading body has taken notice of her routine screening campaign. Beth Baldwin, from Cardiff, started a petition urging the Welsh Government to take action following the death of her 13-year-old son, Peter. He passed away in 2015 from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) after his doctor failed to diagnose his type 1 diabetes. Beth wants doctors to be more aware of the signs of diabetes. A report carried out by the Petitions Committee has backed her, stating GPs should inquire whether any of the 4 T symptoms are present if any child or young person is unwell. The 4 Ts can highlight a risk of type 1 diabetes. The 4 Ts stand for toilet, thirsty, tired and thinner. Frequently needing the toilet, being unusually thirsty and/or tired, and looking thinner than usual can indicate a risk that type 1 diabetes may be present. The other key measure requested has been for appropriate diagnostic testing to be carried out on children when symptoms of type 1 diabetes are present. Appropriate testing may include carrying out finger-prick blood glucose tests. David Rowlands, chair of the committee, said: "It goes without saying that the loss of a child is, thankfully, largely unimaginable for most people and the tremendous courage of Peter's family in seeking to use such awful circumstances to prevent the same situation happening to others should command enormous respect. "The Baldwin family, particularly Beth, Stuart and Lia, have courageously strived to ensure that the tragedy experienced by their family should lead to improvements in awareness and identification of type 1 diabetes in children. "Prompt diagnosis is critical as the onset of the illness can be extremely rapid and very dangerous. We fully support the petition and are calling on the Welsh Government to do more to raise awareness of the dangers of type 1 diabetes and how to spot it throughout the NHS." The report has also suggested that NICE diabetes guidance should be "consistently implemented" into NHS Wales. Speaking to the BBC, Beth Baldwin, from Cardiff, said: "They've really listened to us. Wales really can lead the way on this." She said the report had "exceeded all expectations" and she had been "overwhelmed" by the support she had received. Death from type 1 diabetes is preventable and it is great to see that a strong focus is being brought to this very important issue.

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[kitedoc]

It is truly a tragic story. From my experience of DKA I would add 'tummy ache' to the four Ts.
And considering how relatively easy (of course depends on age and level of hydration, I guess) it appears to be to do a dip-stick urine test on any sick child, hopefully ? Six Ts 4 + 1) as above plus ? (urine) Test. What do others think ?

 

[Robinredbreast]

It is a tragic loss,which could of been avoided. I know only too well about this as my granddaughter aged 2 1/2 nearly died because of a hospital doctor's diagnosis of a 'virus'. The dr was told that my daughter had talked to our Gp about the concerns she had of my granddaughter's symptoms and this was told to the hospital dr. If my then SIL hadn't taken my granddaughter to the hospital in the middle of the night, because of growing concerns, the outcome would of been a lot different. Seeing my granddaughter fighting to stay alive, is an image that will always stay with me,
Type 1 can be a killer and I would like to see diabetes symptom's in the child's Red book.
My heart goes out to the parents and families.