Jeremy Hunt asked to raise awareness about type 1 diabetes

Chris Davies, the Conservative MP for Brecon and Radnorshire, has written to the Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes.
Mr Davies approached Mr Hunt following a meeting with his constituents Lisa and Ben Cass. Mrs Cass told Mr Davies how Be, her so, had developed diabetic ketoacidosis after a previous visit to his local GP failed to provide a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a dangerous short-term complication that can lead to coma or even death if not treated urgently.
Ben went on to develop type 1 diabetes, which was not spotted at the time by his GP. His condition is now well managed, but Mrs Cass wants there to be greater awareness of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes.
Mr Davies wrote to Mr Hunt saying: “Ben’s case shows the need for awareness of type 1 diabetes to be improved right across the country. Will my Right Honourable Friend meet me and my constituent to see what more we can do to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes and its symptoms among health professionals and the wider public?”
Earlier this year, Mr. Hunt announced that diabetes is a priority for the government. He responded to Mr Davies: “Of course I am happy meet my Hon Friend and his constituents. A close friend of mine who wanted to take a place in this House ended up dying tragically early because he had type 1 diabetes and was not able to get the care that he needed, so I am very aware of those issues.”
Mr Davies responded: “I am very pleased that the Secretary of State wants to meet with me and Mrs Cass to discuss what more can be done to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes. Awareness of type 1 diabetes in the UK as a whole is too low and there are too many cases, like Ben’s, of diagnosis being missed and I want to see that change.
“It is great that Ben is now doing well and managing his condition and I look forward to bringing Mrs Cass to Westminster in order that she can share her story with the Secretary of State.”
If you think you or a family member might have type 1 diabetes, you should make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible. The four main symptoms of type 1 diabetes are increased urination, feeling more thirsty than normal, feeling very tired through the day and losing weight.