A PROUD mum has hailed her two-year-old toddler as a lifesaver - after he saved her from falling into a diabetic coma.

York mum Trudi Black said she could have been dangerously ill if son Kieran had not intervened.

Trudi, who has to inject insulin four times a day to stabilise her diabetes, revealed she was close to passing out before Kieran saved the day.

While she lay on the floor, at risk of falling into a diabetic coma, the perceptive youngster rushed to bring Trudi her blood sugar monitor.

And while the anxious mum tested her sugar levels, industrious Kieran returned with chocolate to give them a much-needed boost.

His heroic actions have amazed proud Trudi, who said she has never spoken to him about her condition before.

And they have also stunned charity chiefs at Diabetes UK, who revealed they have never heard of a similar act in someone so young.

Trudi, 32, of Lancaster Way, Clifton, said: "I was close to passing out. I check my blood sugars regularly, but on Friday morning I felt lousy.

"I ended up laying on the floor and Kieran was playing around me. He wanted me to play with him, but I just could not.

"He disappeared, but I just lay there. I was sure it was not my diabetes. Then Kieran came back with my blood count monitor, saying it was what I needed.

"I tested my blood sugar levels and they were at rock bottom. He also came back with some chocolate from the fridge.

"I could have been seriously ill. I have never said anything to Kieran about my diabetes, but he is very perceptive.

"I am so proud of him. I am just amazed that a two-year-old can act like that."

A spokesman for charity Diabetes UK said: "This is a pretty amazing tale. We have heard about children helping their parents before, but we cannot recall hearing it about someone so young.

"This child did exactly the right thing, but to be just two and have senses and abilities which are that good is very impressive."

Susan Jackson, a specialist diabetes nurse at York District Hospital, added: "This is just remarkable. This toddler has probably been watching mum and he may even have seen her go through this experience before.

"It can be quite amazing the things a two-year-old can pick up, but I have never heard a story like it.

"He did all the right things to have brought the machine and then something like the chocolate. I think it is quite marvellous."

Updated: 11:10 Thursday, October 11, 2001