At five years old, Liam’s first question after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes was ‘can I still play footy?’.
Seven years later, he’s proven himself unstoppable, having represented the Sunshine Coast and recently being selected for the Queensland team.
Liam’s mum said it takes planning and management, but Liam’s never let it get in the way of doing what he loves.
Fortunately his diabetes was picked up before it had developed into diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a potentially life threatening condition.
Kylie now encourages other parents to be aware of the early signs of Type 1 diabetes, to help avoid complications.
So what exactly is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition caused by the immune system attacking insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to high blood sugar levels.
While it is often diagnosed in children and adolescents, it’s important to remember that adults can also develop Type 1 diabetes later in life.
What are the symptoms to look out for?
Early recognition of symptoms is critical for timely diagnosis and preventing serious complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a potentially life-threatening condition.
Parents, caregivers, and healthcare staff should be aware of the four key early warning signs of Type 1 diabetes, commonly remembered as the Four T’s:
- Toilet: Going to the toilet more – children may need to wee more frequently, including waking at night.
- Thirsty: Excessive thirst – children drink more fluids than usual.
- Tired: Fatigue – unexplained tiredness or lethargy.
- Thinner: Unexplained weight loss – children may lose weight despite normal or increased appetite.
Recognising these symptoms early is vital. If these signs are noticed, prompt medical evaluation is essential to diagnose diabetes before it progresses to DKA.
What care is available for children?
Sunshine Coast University Hospital provides specialised care through its Children and Adolescent Diabetes Service. The dedicated multidisciplinary team includes paediatricians, credentialled diabetes educators, a nurse practitioner, psychologist, dietitian and clinical support nurse.
This comprehensive team supports children and adolescents living with diabetes, offering expert medical care, education, and emotional support. Additionally, the service provides outreach clinics to Gympie Hospital, ensuring access to care for families in regional areas.