Parents 'failing to spot diabetes'

X Factor's Amelia Lily has spoken about living with diabetes.

She told Daybreak: "It's not easy but it's made me a stronger person."

Daybreak's Health Editor, Dr Hilary Jones, has told viewers that "doctors should be able to spot the symptoms of diabetes."

Diabetes UK have released this short video, which aims to raise awareness among parents, carers, teachers and healthcare professionals, of the signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes.

Former X Factor contestant Amelia Lily, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was three years old, is backing the campaign.

She said: "I feel very strongly that every parent and carer needs to know about Diabetes UK's 4 Ts campaign.

"My symptoms included drinking a lot more than normal and going to the toilet a lot.

"I was very lucky as my nana realised what was wrong with me because my uncle had been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was 14.

"It's so important that anyone who looks after children - not just parents but teachers, carers and other family members - knows how to spot the signs of diabetes.

"So many children are still getting really poorly before they are diagnosed and I want to help put a stop to that."

Ketones disrupt the metabolism, and the more ketones that are produced, the more ill a person with DKA will become.

Left untreated, people with DKA can experience potentially fatal complications, such as severe dehydration, coma and swelling of the brain.

Read more about the complications of diabetic ketoacidosis.

• Passing large amounts of urine.
• Feeling very thirsty.
• Vomiting.
• Abdominal pain.

If you notice any of the symptoms of DKA and your blood sugar levels are high, ask for immediate medical help.

Read more about the symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis here.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a dangerous complication of diabetes that is caused by a lack of insulin in the body.

DKA occurs when the body is unable to break down glucose because there isn't enough insulin.

Instead, it breaks down fat as an alternative source of fuel. This causes a build-up of a by-product called ketones.

Most cases of DKA occur in people with type 1 diabetes, although it can also be a complication of type 2 diabetes.

• About 500 of the 2,000 children who develop Type 1 diabetes in the UK every year have DKA by the time they are diagnosed.
• In the UK, there are 3.7 million people with diabetes, including an estimated 850,000 people have Type 2 diabetes but do not know it.

• As many as 7 million people are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and if current trends continue, an estimated 4 million people will have diabetes by 2015.

If your child has any symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, Diabetes UK recommend you take them straight to the doctor and insist on a test for Type 1 diabetes there and then.

The charity say that the test consists in a quick and simple finger-prick blood test, which your GP can carry out straight away.

If the result indicates Type 1 diabetes, the GP should refer the child to a specialist paediatric diabetes team the same day.

Your child should get immediate treatment to bring their diabetes under control and to prevent DKA, say the charity.

• Toilet: Going to the toilet a lot, bed wetting by a previously dry child or heavier nappies in babies.
• Thirsty: Being really thirsty and not being able to quench the thirst.
• Tired: Feeling more tired than usual.
• Thinner: Losing weight or looking thinner than usual.