Recently, my world was turned upside down when a family member was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. One thing that struck me deeply was the realisation that so many childcare professionals and educators lack adequate training to recognise the symptoms of type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is a life-threatening condition that affects approximately 1 in 500 children in the UK alone (Diabetes UK). We believe immediate recognition of its symptoms—such as excessive thirst, tiredness, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss—is crucial for early intervention to prevent DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis) which is fatal if left untreated. Unfortunately, many children continue to attend educational settings where professionals are not equipped to identify these signs.