Latest figures suggest that a number of children from across England and Wales suffering from type 1 diabetes are showing early signs of eye, heart and kidney disease.

According to the research, which was conducted by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), 27% of young people with type 1 diabetes had high blood pressure, 7% had markers of future kidney disease and over 14% had early signs of eye disease which could lead to blindness in the future. More than 25% were also classed as obese.

Patients with high blood pressure may be more at risk of developing heart disease, having a stroke or developing other health complications.

There are seven recommended annual health checks for diabetics to help manage their condition, including blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol and kidney tests. However, children under 12 with diabetes are not formally screened for complications and, according to the research, only 16% of all children and young people with diabetes received all seven of the recommended tests.

Type 1 diabetes accounts for around 10% of all diabetes, but is the most common type in children. Patients suffering from type 1 diabetes have problems with their pancreas not producing any insulin, which can cause the blood glucose levels to become dangerously high.

Sharon Banga, a senior clinical negligence solicitor at Thompsons Solicitors’ Birmingham office, said: “The suggestion that children and young people with diabetes are at risk of developing serious complications is very worrying for their future and for the impact it will have on public health services.

“Type 1 diabetes requires constant management by the patient, as well as regular support from medical staff, yet it’s apparent from this research that many young diabetics are not receiving the monitoring required to properly manage their condition.

“Diabetes affects millions of people across the UK and it is vital that all sufferers, including children and young adults, receive the best levels of care.”