What steps it is taking to improve early detection of type 1 diabetes in children.

The Scottish Government is taking steps to improve early detection of type 1 diabetes in children through research, awareness initiatives, and clinical guidance.Scotland contributed to the UK’s largest screening trial for children with type 1 diabetes, the ELSA study, which screened 20,000 children aged 3 to 13 for early markers of the condition. The findings will help inform future policy decisions.Our Diabetes Improvement Plan sets out priorities for early diagnosis and prevention and is overseen by the Scottish Diabetes Group, which brings together clinical leaders and stakeholders to drive improvements in care.A key commitment within the Plan is raising awareness of type 1 diabetes in primary care to ensure clinicians can recognise early signs and symptoms and act quickly.The Scottish Diabetes Group works closely with the Diabetes Managed Clinical Network-Managers and Leads group to ensure frontline perspectives inform policy and practice. National clinical guidelines are regularly discussed at Scottish Diabetes Group meetings to reinforce best practice.At its next meeting in March, the Scottish Diabetes Group will consider a suggestion brought forward by the Scottish Government, to promote awareness of the 4Ts (Toilet, Thirsty, Tired, Thinner) which are key symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children. We remain committed to improving early diagnosis and will continue to monitor emerging evidence to inform future policy decisions on diabetes care for children and young people.