Diabetes Ireland launch new 'TEST' awareness campaign

DIABETES Ireland and the Irish Childhood Diabetes National Register have launched a new collaborative campaign to raise awareness among the general public about the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, equipping individuals to recognize these signs early, seek help and avoid the development of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA).

Children in Ireland have the 10th highest reported incidence of Type 1 diabetes in the world.  The rate of new onset type 1 diabetes in Irish children and young people is 37.6 cases/100,000 per year which is very high.

In the period 2019 to 2021 the rate has increased by 21%, or 10% per annum. On average 7 children and teenagers are diagnosed each week with Type 1 diabetes in Ireland.

Delayed diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes can lead to the life-threatening condition known as DKA which is very serious and needs urgent hospital treatment. DKA is an avoidable complication of diabetes which could be easily avoided by early recognition of symptoms and timely diagnosis.

To raise awareness of the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes Diabetes Ireland have developed an acronym, TEST, which stands for Thirst (increased), Energy (reduced), Sudden (weight change), and Toilet (trips increased).

These symptoms serve as critical indicators that you or someone you know might have Type 1 diabetes, warranting an urgent blood glucose or urine test. It's important to note that these symptoms apply to adults as well as children.

Delighted to be teaming up with @Diabetes_ie on their TEST campaign so help spread awareness of the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes! You can read all about it at https://t.co/Ljg0B4aT9T #docire #diabetes #t1diabetes pic.twitter.com/IuteDb1uQH

— Jay Hickey (@Jayhickey1) September 26, 2023

The campaign was initiated due to the critical importance of early diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes, and very high rates of DKA at the onset in children.

Type 1 diabetes develops when the pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone which is essential to live. When insulin levels are insufficient, the glucose levels start to rise and symptoms can appear. The sooner these are recognised, the less likely DKA will develop. Delayed diagnosis puts people’s lives at risk and can influence diabetes outcomes in the future.

Type 1 diabetes can affect individuals of all ages. It is estimated that around 0.6% of the Irish population (30,895 people) are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes with numerous adults receiving Type 1 diabetes diagnosis each month.

The collaborative campaign between  Diabetes Ireland and the Irish Childhood Diabetes National Register launched Tuesday with Professor Edna Roche, Consultant Paediatrician and Endocrinologist, and businesswoman Norah Casey alongside diabetes advocates Jay Hickey, Eva Lee and her son Danny.

Commenting on the launch, Professor Roche stated: "Type 1 Diabetes can be very dangerous if the diagnosis is delayed, however if you know the signs and symptoms to look out for it is easy to diagnose and incredibly manageable."

"Our goal is to reach at least 1 million people in Ireland with our message and we cannot achieve this on our own. It is so important to know the signs and to spread awareness of TEST to your family and friends. It really could be a life saver."

The campaign is a collaboration of the Irish Childhood Diabetes National Register and Diabetes Ireland and is supported by Novo Nordisk Ltd.

To find out more about living with diabetes, becoming a member or upcoming events or to follow Diabetes Ireland on social media visit www.diabetes.ie.