The Type 1 Foundation mission is to promote awareness of Type 1 Diabetes to reduce the incidences of misdiagnosis which often leads to DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis) at diagnosis.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis is a state in which your body’s PH levels become dangerously acidic. This condition is caused when your body doesn’t have enough insulin to break down the glucose in the body for energy. As a result, the body starts burning its stores of fat for energy instead. This process produces by-products called ketones. When there is insulin present and ketones are produced, it’s not an issue, and the body can actually function very well on Ketones alone. However without insulin present, (in the case of undiagnosed/untreated Type 1 Diabetes), the process of producing ketones causes the blood’s PH levels to drop which makes it more acidic. Acidic blood is poisonous and begins to break down all of the body’s vital organs very quickly, eventually leading to death.

As dangerous as DKA is, it is completely avoidable with the correct diagnosis process. Aside from noticing the most common symptoms of Type 1 diabetes (Tired/Lethargy, Thirsty, Increased Urination, Weightloss), all it takes is a finger prick in the GPs office. But unfortunately, this step is often missed which leads to unnecessary stress and overwhelm, and eventually an emergency hospital visit.

Our Don’t Ignore the 4 campaign involves the community and we need your help to get the message out. Type 1 Diabetes is such an important diagnosis to make, as early diagnosis and referral will prevent DKA and potentially save lives. Every year 640 children and adults are admitted to hospital because the early signs of type 1 diabetes are missed.  Diabetes awareness campaigns targeting GPs and schools have shown dramatic reduction in DKA rates for people living with type 1 and 2 diabetes. This campaign aims to raise awareness of the four main symptoms; Tired/Lethargy, Thirsty, Increased Urination, Weightloss; associated with Type 1 Diabetes to prevent children and adults from ever being misdiagnosed, to prevent DKA. Undiagnosed type 1 diabetes is fatal and the trauma of having a child in DKA is life-long and irreversible. It is estimated that there is over 7000* GP establishments in Australia that will be involved as part of this campaign.