Without fail whenever I was excessively thirsty as a child, my mom would query is I was becoming a diabetic.

Turns out she was not too far from the truth because that is one of the warning signs.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation wants every parent to be “T1D Aware” – type 1 diabetes aware. Knowing the signs of type 1 diabetes can lead to an earlier diagnosis and can help prevent a potentially deadly condition, especially in young children.

Signs of type 1 diabetes include:

o Urinating more

o Often thirsty

o Feeling tired

o Losing weight

If you see any of these in your children, talk to your doctor immediately.

Top 5 Reasons to be T1D Aware

1. Save a child’s life. Knowing the signs of type 1 diabetes – such as frequent urination and excessive thirst – can lead to an earlier diagnosis and may help save a child’s life.

2. Earlier diagnosis. The signs of type 1 diabetes can often be overlooked or mistaken for other conditions including the flu or bladder infection. Alert your doctor ASAP if you see these symptoms. A simple blood test can diagnose type 1 diabetes.

3. It’s urgent! The longer we wait to diagnose type 1 diabetes, the more dangerous it can be. Being T1D Aware can help prevent a potentially deadly condition called diabetic ketoacidosis or DKA. DKA is preventable! Know the signs and talk to your doctor.

4. Knowledge is power. Get informed. Equate frequent urination, excessive thirst and some of the other signs like labored breathing and tiredness with type 1 diabetes. Visit www.facebook.com/myJDRF for more information.

5. Pay it forward. Help us ensure other parents, teachers, coaches and school nurses are T1D Aware. Please pass along this info to everyone you know.

Charlie’s Story

Charlie Amis is a happy, active two-year-old, and looking at him now, you wouldn’t know his family had the scare of their life last year when Charlie was rushed to the hospital.

It all started when Charlie was sent home from daycare early because he was being cranky and not acting like himself. As a concerned new parent, his mother, Jordan, immediately took Charlie to the doctor, who said he was probably coming down with a cold and suggested an over-the-counter pain reliever.

The next morning, Jordan was shocked to hear Charlie gasping for each breath. She also noticed his diaper was unusually full and that his breath smelled fruity, but didn’t think much of it then. Still concerned, Jordan took Charlie back to the doctor immediately. After running some basic tests, the doctor decided to call an ambulance and have Charlie transported to the hospital.

Within 45 minutes of being at the hospital, Charlie was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Unfortunately for Charlie, he also had a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can occur when blood sugar levels are extremely high and is often the result of a delayed diagnosis. He stayed in the hospital for nine days while his condition stabilized.

Charlie is now back to being his normal – and adorable – self. And Jordan is on a mission to ensure that other parents are “T1D Aware” and know the telltale signs of type 1 diabetes such as frequent urination and excessive thirst. “I would encourage all parents to get informed so their children don’t have to go through what Charlie did,” she said.

Are you T1D Aware? Visit www.Facebook.com/MyJDRF for more details.