A great legacy for Peter if you Know Type 1
I AM writing to let Glamorgan Gazette readers know it is vital they look out for the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes in their loved ones.
Losing a child is beyond anyone’s worst nightmare but sadly our son Peter died when he was just 13 after a late diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes. It’s something that no family should have to go through and now it’s our mission to make sure parents and medical professionals have the symptoms of this condition at the front of their minds.
This is why we’re working with Diabetes UK Cymru on a new campaign called Know Type 1, to make everyone aware of the symptoms. They are easy to remember as the 4Ts: toilet, thirsty, tired and thinner. If you spot any of these symptoms go to your GP and ask for an immediate finger prick blood glucose test, which takes less than a minute.
Type 1 diabetes can be easily mistaken for viral infections or other illnesses. Peter was very unwell with a chest infection, which made the symptoms of his Type 1 diabetes harder to identify. Despite showing typical symptoms of Type 1 diabetes like extreme fatigue, weight loss and frequently needing to go to the toilet, unfortunately Peter was not diagnosed until he was already seriously ill.
Being able to recognise the symptoms, get a quick diagnosis and early treatment could save your child’s life. The Know Type 1 campaign is Peter’s legacy, and it’s all about helping as many other families as we can so please remember the symptoms. Beth Baldwin Diabetes UK Cymru supporter and mum