At Mini First Aid, where we’re all about bringing you trusted health advice in a friendly, no-fuss way. It's World Diabetes Day on 14th November, so this week we’re talking about a topic that’s becoming more and more important for families: diabetes in children. With cases on the rise, we want to help you understand the facts – from what diabetes actually is, to how it affects kids, the signs to watch for, and what life looks like after a diagnosis.
We’re lucky to be joined by two incredible experts for this blog: Michelle Dady, a former Mini First Aid trainer and paediatric diabetes specialist nurse, and Jackie Higgins, Senior Clinical Advisor and Youth Educator at Diabetes UK. Jackie also worked as a Paediatric Diabetes Specialist Nurse in the NHS for many years before joining Diabetes UK. Together, they’ve helped lots of families navigate diabetes with confidence.
So, pop the kettle on and let’s dive in...
Why parents need to know about diabetes
When we think of childhood conditions, diabetes might not be top of the list – but it should be.
Diabetes UK estimate that more than 5.8 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, which is an all-time high.
Data shows that almost 4.6 million people in the UK live with diabetes diagnoses. Additionally, nearly 1.3 million people could be living with type 2 diabetes who are yet to be diagnosed.
In children, the numbers are smaller but still significant – at least 39,429 children in the UK live with diabetes, mostly type 1. And that figure doesn’t include Northern Ireland, so the true number will be higher.
Understanding the condition and spotting early warning signs can make a huge difference.
What exactly is diabetes?
Here’s the simple version:
- Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. It happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This means the body can no longer make insulin. Insulin is like a key that helps unlock your cells and allows glucose (sugar) in your blood to move into your cells where it is used for energy.
Those living with type 1 diabetes need lifelong insulin which can be given by pen injections or by an insulin pump which is a small device that you attach to your body which delivers insulin day and night. As well as having to give insulin people living with type 1 diabetes need to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly.
Alongside regular insulin and blood sugar monitoring those living with type 1 diabetes also need to carbohydrate count. By working out how much carbohydrate is in their food and drinks they can work out how much insulin to give for food and drink.
- Type 2 diabetes is different. The body still makes insulin, but either not enough or the insulin it makes does not work properly.
It is a complex condition with a variety of causes. Whilst living with obesity or overweight can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes no one thing causes type 2 diabetes. Some of the other risk factors include age, family history and ethnicity.
With the right support some people can manage their type 2 diabetes through healthy eating, being more active or weight loss if they are living with obesity or overweight. For others they may need to start medication.
The 4Ts: spotting the symptoms
Whether it’s type 1 or type 2, diabetes symptoms are usually the same. And luckily, there’s an easy way to remember them: the 4Ts.
- Toilet – Needing to wee a lot, even through the night
- Thirsty – Being constantly thirsty and unable to quench it
- Tired – Feeling more tired than usual, all the time
- Thinner – Losing weight without trying
These symptoms can develop quickly in type 1 diabetes, especially in children, and should never be ignored. Other signs to look out for include:
- Genital itching or frequent thrush
- Blurred vision
- Cuts or wounds that are slow to heal
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Speak to your GP straight away. In children, suspected type 1 diabetes is considered a medical emergency, and your child should be referred to hospital the same day.
Why acting fast is so important
Here’s the thing – a child who seems ‘a bit off’ today could be seriously unwell by tomorrow. If type 1 diabetes is suspected same-day referral and diagnosis are so important.
Michelle tells us, “We’ve seen children come into hospital really unwell and they can deteriorate quickly. That’s why we need to see them early and start treatment straight away.”
Can diabetes run in families?
You might be wondering – if I have diabetes, will my child get it too?
Well, it’s not that straightforward -
- Type 1 diabetes can occur even when there’s no family history at all. Around 80% of children with type 1 have no relatives with the condition.
- There are also genetic and environmental factors being studied – but we still don’t know exactly what triggers type 1 diabetes in children.
- With type 2 diabetes, there’s more often a family connection, especially if other risk factors are present.
We do know that the number of children receiving treatment for type 2 diabetes has increased andwe are continuing to see a rise in type 2 diabetes in children. As we have covered the main signs and symptoms of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes it is important if parents have any concerns to seek medical advice.
Type 2 can develop slowly over time, and symptoms may be less obvious or go unnoticed.
That’s why it’s so important to know the symptoms and trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right.
Living with diabetes: what treatment looks like
So, what happens after a diagnosis?
Children with type 1 diabetes - families will be supported by a diabetes team and receive ongoing education. Early learning includes how to test and monitor blood sugar levels, administer daily insulin - either through injections or an insulin pump - and manage blood sugar levels when they go outside of their target range. Monitoring is a key part of daily life, often using wearable tech like continuous glucose monitors. Families will also learn about carbohydrate counting to match insulin to food intake. It’s important they know know how to treat low blood sugar levels (known as hypoglycaemia or a hypo) and how to manage high blood sugar levels (known as hyperglycaemia).
There’s some amazing technology helping people manage diabetes today – including hybrid closed-loop systems (sometimes known as an artificial pancreas). Closed loop systems include an insulin pump, and a continuous glucose monitor that ‘talk to each other’. This is done through a computer programme that can be part of an app on a separate device like a mobile phone or may be part of the insulin pump itself.
Jackie says, “Research shows that people with type 1 diabetes using a hybrid closed loop system can have a better quality of life because of the benefits it brings.”
For type 2 diabetes:
Children with type 2 diabetes should be managed by a diabetes team and receive ongoing education. Initially treatment may begin with dietary changes and increasing physical activity however in some cases they may need to start medication. Both tablets and injections are available to help manage the condition and these medicines work in different ways.
Blood sugar monitoring will depend on the treatment the young person is on and will vary.
Some adults with type 2 diabetes may put it into remission by losing weight, which is when long-term blood sugar levels return to a non-diabetes range without needing to take diabetes medications – although there is limited evidence around remission in children and young people who develop type 2 diabetes.
So, what can parents do?
We know that managing diabetes can feel overwhelming. But knowledge is power – and there’s so much support out there.
Here are our top takeaways for parents:
- Learn the 4Ts – Toilet, Thirsty, Tired, Thinner
- Don’t ignore symptoms, even if they seem mild
- Get medical advice quickly – especially for children
- Trust your gut – you know your child best
- Remember, you’re not alone – there’s a community ready to help
Final thoughts from the experts
Michelle says, “It’s all about early diagnosis. There’s so much brilliant care available.”
Jackie adds, “Know the symptoms. And don’t be afraid to speak to a health care professional. It could make all the difference.”
Where to find more support
If this blog has got you thinking or sparked some questions, here are a few useful places to go next:
- Diabetes UK Website – for expert advice, resources, and support
- Mini First Aid Courses – we cover childhood illnesses and first aid for diabetic emergencies
- Your GP – if you have any concerns about your child’s health, always speak to a doctor
Listen to the podcast
Head over to the Family Health by Mini First Aid podcast to listen to Michelle and Jackie chat to founder Kate on all things diabetes. You can listen on all major platforms, or watch on YouTube.
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