25/07/2025
If your child has any of the signs or symptoms of diabetes, you should take them straight to the doctor and insist on a blood glucose test.
The most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children are known as the 4 T’s:
🚽 Toilet - Going to the toilet frequently to pass urine, bed wetting by a previously dry child or heavier than normal nappies in babies.
💦 Thirsty - Being thirsty and unable to quench the thirst, asking for drinks more often and finishing quickly.
💤 Tired - Feeling more tired than usual. Having less energy than normal, not playing as often, less energy for sports.
🪞 Thinner - Losing weight or looking thinner than usual.
You may also notice your child getting more infections than usual.
Type 1 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes in children. Symptoms tend to come on within a matter of days or weeks and you should get urgent medical help if you notice any of these symptoms.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes in children are the same but may be less obvious and develop more slowly, over weeks or months, but you may still be able to notice them.
Please see your GP as quickly as possible if you suspect your child may be diabetic. A quick and simple finger prick test will indicate or rule out high blood sugar and your GP will refer you to a specialist diabetes team or hospital while you are awaiting a diagnosis.
You can find out lots more advice and guidance about diabetes at Diabetes UK
