Health

NHS urges anyone with 4 symptoms to call 999 – could be deadly

The NHS is urging anyone with four specific symptoms to get in touch with their GP.  The health service adds that, in some more severe cases, people should call 999 as it could be « fatal ».

In a recent post on social media site X, the NHS pinpointed four symptoms of type 1 diabetes. They are known as the « four Ts »: Toilet, Thirsty, Tired and Thinner. » According to the health service, people should seek help if any of these symptoms come on suddenly.

The NHS said in a post on X: « Do you know the signs of type 1 diabetes? They can happen at any age and if left undiagnosed, it can be fatal. The most common symptoms are the 4 Ts: Toilet, Thirsty, Tired, Thinner. »

On its website, the health service elaborates on the four Ts. It explains that the most common signs of type 1 diabetes are:

  • peeing more than usual, especially at night
  • feeling very thirsty and drinking more than usual
  • feeling very tired
  • losing weight without trying to or looking thinner

There are also other symptoms to look out for, including blurred vision, breat that smells sweet or fruity, cuts and wounds taking longer to heal, and geting frequent infections. The symptoms can develop quickly so it’s important to seek medical advice as soon as you spot them.

Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This can lead to blood sugar levels becoming dangerously high.

The NHS said: « The symptoms develop quickly, over a few days or weeks. If it’s not treated, it can lead to a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. Type 1 diabetes usually starts in children and young adults, but it can happen at any age.

« You’re more likely to get it if you have other problems with your immune system (autoimmune conditions), or if others in your family have type 1 diabetes or other autoimmune conditions.

« The symptoms are similar to type 2 diabetes, but type 2 diabetes usually develops more slowly and is more common in older people. »

According to the NHS, doctors will carry out a finger-prick test if they think you have type 1 diabetes. This will help check for high blood glucose.

The health service explained: « If tests show you or your child might have type 1 diabetes, you’ll need to see a specialist in hospital to start treatment and have more tests. This is usually on the same day. »

Sometimes it may not be clear which type of diabetes people have. If this is the case, extra blood tests may be required to determine which is present.


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