MORE than 400 people were admitted to A&E units in Scotland last year for a life-threatening condition caused by undiagnosed diabetes.

About 450 people, including children, were diagnosed with Diabetic Ketoacidosis, a medical emergency which, without treatment, can lead to death.

Experts say the majority of patients would have been aware they were suffering from Type 1 diabetes.

About 6300 young adults are living with diabetes in Scotland, and Diabetes UK Scotland says there is a need to improve awareness of the symptoms of the condition, particularly amongst young people.

A new website has now been produced for younger patients to mark World Diabetes Day on Thursday, which this year focused on education and prevention.

The site was produced by a group of diabetes patients, including Sandi McKechnie, from Glasgow's South Side.

Ms McKechnie, 23, an occupational therapist, was diagnosed with the condition when she was six. She says she struggled to cope with it through her teenage years.

Patients must maintain strict controls over their diet and insulin levels with daily injections or an insulin pump.

She said: "As a teenager I chose to hide from my condition. I often wish I knew then what I know now. I have been lucky and there has not been any long term damage, but this might not be the same for everyone"

"There is not enough support out there for young people with Type 1, and that is why it is imperative we get the word out there about our resource.

"We wanted to produce something that would allow young people to get the answers to questions they might not want to ask at clinics.

"I do not want anyone to feel like they are alone. I know first hand how reassuring it is to have support from my peers."

Scotland has the third highest incidence in the world of the condition.

Unlike Type 2 Diabetes, which results from the body using insulin inefficiently and can often be controlled with diet and exercise, Type 1 is brought on by an auto-immune reaction and requires insulin injection.

Symptoms include feeling very thirsty, urinating frequently, particularly at night, weight loss and blurred vision.

Jane-Claire Judson, national director of Diabetes UK Scotland, said: "World Diabetes Day was a great opportunity to focus on supporting young people to live with their condition.

"Too often young people's views can be overlooked. This project has been led by young people from across Scotland and we have been privileged to work alongside them."

The website address is: http://www.justduk1t.org.uk

caroline.wilson@eveningtimes.co.uk