Diabetes?

[IndigoPale]

DS is 12 and lately (over the past few days) he’s mentioned that his hands and feet feel tingly and sometimes sensitive even when he moves them about. He can’t stomach anything sugary without needing to go the bathroom within 30 mins, and he feels a bit lightheaded/irritable often. From what I can tell this sounds like diabetes?? Surely it can’t be type 2 as whilst yeah he does have sweets every so often, it’s by no means excessive, plus given his age and weight (he’s average) it can’t be? I know you can develop type 1, but is this common?

You should call and make an appt at the GP.

I have yeah but nothing available until the 30th

Excessive thirst and unquenchable thirst, massive weight loss and excessive vomiting are all signs of T1 diabetes.

T1 diabetes can develop at any time. My DS developed it at 2 years old. My DH at 35 years old. Someone else I know was in his 50s. All T1 diabetes.
My understanding that it's most common for it to develop during pre-teen/teenage years.

Symptoms of T1 diabetes are excessive thirst and frequent urinating, particularly at night, generally feeling groggy or tired and unexplained weight loss.
Is there a history of T1D in the family (not always relevant, but sometimes is)?

If you suspect T1 diabetes, call your GP again. Request an emergency appointment and explicitly say it's because you suspect T1D.

I don't want to scare you, but your biggest worry for undiagnosed T1D is DKA, which can develop very quickly and is life threatening if not treated. This is how we found out DS was T1D and I do not recommend it!
Our DS's symptoms for this were all the above, plus gasping for breath, shaking/tremors and breath that smelt sweet and fruity, like pear drops. If these symptoms develop, ring 999.

It doesn’t sound much like T1D - but if it is that then it is a proper medical emergency (like straight to hospital). So if you are worried and any of
-rapid weight loss
-unusual and excessive thirst
-constant weeing (eg kid suddenly waking in night multiple times to wee)
-exhaustion

then really really don’t hesitate. With those symptoms the rule is you need seeing TODAY.

As in with those four, not necessarily with what you have described so far.

It doesn't sound typical T1D symptoms but if you are worried go to a pharmacist today and ask for a finger prick BG test.
If it's high then it's an A&E job.
Don't mess about. It is completely different to type 2.

Thank you all, some of these descriptions do match, Would going private be a quicker option?

Pharmacist will test (or someone with a BG meter if you know any type 1diabetics?)
Or just go and buy one over the counter at the chemist (meter and test strips)

As others have said, buy a BS meter at a large chemist. If it's over about 9 then straight to a&e

Call 111 and get an appt somewhere today, even if it's A&E.

It might be nothing and that would be great. It could be T1 diabetes and delaying diagnosis would be bad. So even if it feels like an over reaction just get something today.

The NHS and Diabetes UK agree with this by the way. Both say on their symptoms pages that if you have symptoms you get tested straight away.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/type-1-diabetes/about-type-1-diabetes/symptoms-and-getting-diagnosed/

No. All he needs in primary care is a finger prick. If this shows raised blood sugar, then he would be seen same day by paediatrics.

Ring the GP and insist on a same day appointment.

You need to speak to the actual GP not reception. You need to say he has physical symptoms of diabetes. If they won’t give an urgent on the day appointment call 111 or take him to a hospital with children’s AE tomorrow. Diabetes is serious and urgent.