Following on from World Diabetes Day, we wanted to discuss the importance of noticing the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes so that you can help future patients and teach others to spot the signs early on.
What are the 4Ts?
Remind your patients of the 4Ts, which are:
Toilet - Do you have a frequent need to pass urine?
Thirsty - Are you always thirsty and unable to quench it?
Tired - Feeling tired all the time?
Thinner - Have you lost a lot of weight despite eating the same as usual?
If any of your patients are displaying these symptoms, it is vital to perform a quick finger prick test to check blood sugar levels.
By asking these simple four questions you could help prevent someone from going into diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can be fatal.
How can I help raise awareness?
Posters: Diabetes UK has created posters raising awareness of the 4Ts of type 1 diabetes, which you can put up in your practice (e.g. back of toilet doors). Download them for free here.
Educate: Remind colleagues, friends and family of the 4Ts - you never know who you might help!
Share the ELSA study: A type 1 diabetes screening programme for children aged 3-13 years in the UK which can help determine who is at risk.
Undiagnosed diabetes can be life-threatening so let’s help spread the word about the 4Ts!
For more information on nursing roles, please get in touch with our team on 0203 929 4010 or drop us an email via info@mcmmedical.co.uk.
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