6. Debate on the Petitions Committee report: Petition P-04-682 Routine Screening for Type 1 Diabetes in Children and Young People

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:37 pm on 3 October 2018.

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Photo of Lynne Neagle Lynne Neagle Labour 3:37, 3 October 2018

Type 1 diabetes is the most common chronic condition in children and young people. As we know, if left undiagnosed, it can be fatal. I commend the Petitions Committee for their work on this petition, and I welcome Welsh Government's response in accepting the majority of the committee's recommendations. One of the concerns raised by the Baldwin family and Diabetes UK Cymru was that there wasn't sufficient equipment in GP surgeries to allow them to check for type 1. I'm pleased the Welsh Government is committed to taking action on this point, by seeking assurances regarding the availability of equipment in primary care.

The recommendations touch on the importance of raising awareness of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes. I'm again pleased to see Welsh Government has taken steps to highlight the symptoms with health boards, but hope that this becomes a regular occurrence in future Welsh Government communications, and I'd be interested to hear more from the Cabinet Secretary today about how he intends to monitor that awareness.

In the meetings I have had with the family of Peter Baldwin, I have seen and heard how type 1 can devastate a family. I want to pay tribute to the Baldwin family for their tireless and courageous campaign to ensure that no other family suffers in the way that they have. Indeed, we know that the Know Type 1 campaign has already resulted in families being diagnosed safely with type 1. So, it has already saved lives.

We all in this Chamber have our part to play, not just those of us who are GPs. I hope that everyone in this Chamber is now aware of the 4 Ts of diabetes—toilet, thirsty, thinner and tired. And I encourage you all to spread this message as far and wide as you can.