The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation wants every Bay Area parent to be “T1D Aware” to recognize the telltale signs of type 1 diabetes in order to prevent a potentially deadly complication that often occurs as a result of a delayed diagnosis. JDRF is launching the new educational campaign called “T1D Aware” to raise awareness of the key signs of type 1 diabetes including frequent urination and excessive thirst, and to encourage parents to seek medical attention if they notice these signs in their children. According to the National Diabetes Education Program, between 25 and 40 percent of the children who are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes have a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis or DKA.
“The symptoms of type 1 diabetes can often be mistaken for the flu, urinary tract infections or other viruses,” said Bruce Buckingham, M.D., professor of pediatrics at Stanford Medical Center. “The longer we wait to diagnose type 1 diabetes, the more dangerous it can be. That’s why it’s so important to be ‘T1D Aware’ and to equate frequent urination and excessive thirst as a potential sign of type 1 diabetes.”
In addition to frequent urination and excessive thirst, lower than normal energy, tiredness and weight loss are all telltale signs of type 1 diabetes. Other symptoms include: increased appetite, sudden vision changes, fruity odor on the breath, heavy or labored breathing and/or stupor or unconsciousness. If parents, teachers, school nurses, coaches and even teenagers notice these signs, they should talk to a doctor immediately.
Many children who present with these symptoms also have DKA. DKA, or diabetic ketoacidosis, occurs when the body breaks down fat for energy instead of sugar. When this happens, the body produces a poisonous acid called a ketone. High levels of ketones are very dangerous and can lead to a coma or even death, especially in young children. DKA is the leading cause of death and disability in children with type 1 diabetes.
Unfortunately, for Theresa Bergholz and her son, Benjamin, DKA was a harsh reality. Benjamin was 11 months old when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. He also was in full-blown DKA and spent three days in the ICU. “What I went through with Benjamin was traumatizing – I wish I had known more about type 1 diabetes,” said Theresa Bergholz. “I strongly encourage all parents to get informed so their children don’t suffer like Benjamin did.”
As part of the “T1D Aware” campaign, JDRF will be distributing information and conducting local events across the Bay Area. For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/MyJDRF.
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