An MP has called for a public awareness campaign around type 1 diabetes symptoms to be rolled out nationwide, including in pharmacies.
At a parliamentary debate about infant testing for type 1 diabetes on March 9, Independent MP Iqbal Mohamed urged the government to introduce a national public awareness campaign “explaining the four Ts across TV, radio, social media, schools, nurseries, surgeries, pharmacies and health visitor packs”.
The “four Ts” refer to four common signs of type 1 diabetes: toilet, thirsty, tired and thinner.
More frequent urination, especially at night; constant, unquenchable thirst; extreme fatigue and unexpected weight loss are all early symptoms of the condition.
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The debate came in response to a petition calling for Lyla’s Law, launched by the parents of Lyla Story after she passed away in May 2025.
Just 24 hours before her death, Lyla was misdiagnosed with acute tonsillitis - but an inquest in September found that Lyla had died from undiagnosed type 1 diabetes.
John and Emma Story’s petition, which asks for funding so that “all infants are offered type 1 diabetes testing in routine care”, reached over 120,000 signatures.
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The campaign wants National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines to “ensure that type 1 diabetes testing is carried out when any symptoms appear” and that information on type 1 diabetes is included “in the red book for babies”..
It also asks the government for public awareness campaigns, to “help parents to recognise the signs of type 1 diabetes” for “increased accountability in primary care” and the promotion of a “test, don’t guess framework to guarantee timely access to care”.
Iqbal Mohamed MP said it is estimated by Diabetes UK that around “35,000 young people and children have diabetes”, with around 96% of those having type 1 diabetes.
He added that “the courage and determination shown” by Lyla’s parents “in relentlessly campaigning to prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedy is nothing short of extraordinary”.
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It comes after Boots in February debuted a “nationwide awareness campaign” to help customers spot the “early signs and symptoms” of lung cancer.
The health and beauty giant is placing “clear, eye-catching signage next to commonly purchased medicines” in order to help “increase survival rates” by making people aware of potentially important symptoms.
