No child should die from Diabetes

The day itself is celebrated on November 14,

Newcastle will join cities around the world by illuminating Council’s Civic Park Fountain Promenade blue from Thursday 13 November – Sunday 16 November.

Diabetes is a disorder of the endocrine system, characterised by the body’s inability to use blood sugar (glucose). In simple terms, diabetes begins when the immune system starts to attack insulin cells, which help break down glucose into energy. The absence of insulin results in high blood sugar levels.

There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 which can also be known as juvenile-onset or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Type 2 which can also be known as mature-onset diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes usually starts in childhood, adolescence or early adult life. People with Type 1 Diabetes must inject themselves with insulin up to four to five times per day and live a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise.

The warning signs of Type 1 Diabetes, include frequent urination, excessive thirst, increased hunger, weight loss, tiredness and lack of concentration, blurred vision and vomiting and stomach pain.

If your child is consistently drinking more – regardless of external factors – as well as going to the toilet frequently and bedwetting you have three very good reasons to consult your doctor for a test.

If the symptoms go unnoticed, the body starts to change the way it uses food – ketoacidosis – which has very serious consequences. Ketoacidosis develops when the body, which is starved of glucose because it cannot get from the blood into the cells, starts to break down fats for energy.

Recently in the Hunter region there has been a spike in the number of children presenting to hospital with a life threatening condition called ketoacidosis, which occurs when Type 1 Diabetes goes undiagnosed.

Some children who present to the emergency department in this advanced stage are unconscious and require intensive care, others need a very long stay in hospital.

This situation can be avoided if the community is vigilant about the early warning signs.

Signs of ketoacidosis include vomiting, a breath odour which smells 'fruity' or like acetone, rapid deep breathing, stomach pain, severe thirst, drowsiness, and confusion.

Diabetes Educator at John Hunter Children’s Hospital, Michelle Neylan, said if parents and carers noticed these symptoms in their children or teens, it was vital they seek urgent medical advice.

"Early diagnosis, treatment and education is the key to reducing complications and improving quality of life for young people with diabetes," Ms Neylan said.

"Council is proud to support this important event and work in partnership with Hunter New England Health and Diabetes Australia, NSW to raise awareness of diabetes," said Lord Mayor of Newcastle Councillor John Tate.