Type 1 diabetes symtoms

Type 1 diabetes is different to its more common counterpart, type 2 diabetes. Whilst the major symptoms of diabetes are similar for type 1 and type 2, it is worth knowing the specific symptoms of type 1 diabetes as well as more general diabetes symptoms.

The 4Ts - symptoms of type 1 diabetes

Some of the most noticeable and most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes are:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Unusually high levels of urination
  • Feeling tired all the time
  • Loss of muscular bulk and unexplained weight loss

Other symptoms which may accompany the above symptoms are:

  • Itchiness around the penis or vagina
  • Blurring of vision (caused by dryness of the eyes)
  • Unexpected cramping
  • Skin infections

Emergency diabetes symptoms

Seek urgent medical attention if diabetes symptoms combine with any of the following:

  • A serious loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • A temperature
  • Pains in the stomach
  • A fruity, chemical smell on the breath (most often likened to pear drops or nail varnish)

The symptoms above could be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a dangerous condition that can be life threatening if medical treatment is not provided immediately.

Around 1 in 4 people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are suffering with ketoacidosis at the time of diagnosis. Recognising the 4 main symptoms of type 1 diabetes can help to get a diagnosis before ketoacidosis sets in.

How long does it take to develop type 1 symptoms?

The symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children and young adults tend to develop quickly over a few weeks or few days.

Type 1 diabetes is a dangerous condition if it is left untreated for too long. It is therefore important to seek a diagnosis from your doctor if you or your child is showing the symptoms of type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age. Adults may develop a specific form of type 1 diabetes known as LADA (latent autoimmune diabetes of adulthood).

LADA tends to develop more slowly than type 1 diabetes in children and young adults and people with LADA may sometimes be misdiagnosed as having type 2 diabetes.


Can a blood glucose meter help to diagnose type 1 diabetes?

A blood glucose meter may be helpful in indicating whether you or a family member may have diabetes. It is not essential to have a blood glucose meter but it may be considered useful in a family with a history of type 1 diabetes or autoimmune conditions A blood glucose result, taken over 2 hours after eating, of over 7.8 mmol/l could indicate a presence of diabetes. If high results are being recorded 2 hours after eating for consecutive meals, contact your GP who will be able to carry out a diagnosis.

It is important that devices used to draw blood from fingers are not shared to prevent the risk of blood borne illnesses.

Managing Type 1 diabetes

If you’ve got Type 1 diabetes, you get insulin into your body by injecting it, or using an Insulin pump, which delivers a constant supply into you. You’ll also need to check your blood glucose levels are not too low or too high by using a blood glucose testing device several times a day. When you start taking insulin, you’ll begin to feel better and your blood glucose levels will go down.

This is important because over a long period of time, high glucose levels in your blood can seriously damage you heart, your eyes, your feet and your kidneys. These are known as the complications of diabetes. But with the right treatment and care, the long-term effects of diabetes and high glucose levels can be managed.

Signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes

So what does this mean? Well, before diagnosis, your body tries to get rid of the glucose through your kidneys, and that makes you pass urine a lot. This is one of the main symptoms of diabetes. These symptoms tend to come on quickly – over just a few days or weeks. Anyone who has these symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible.

What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is a serious, lifelong condition where your blood glucose level is too high because your body can't make a hormone called insulin.

What causes Type 1 diabetes?

About 8 per cent of people with diabetes in the UK have Type 1 diabetes. It’s got nothing to do with diet or lifestyle, it just happens. We're still not sure what causes it. When you have Type 1 diabetes, your body attacks the cells in your pancreas that make insulin, so you can't produce any insulin at all. And we all need insulin to live. It does an essential job. It allows the glucose in our blood to enter our cells and fuel our bodies. When you have Type 1 diabetes, your body still breaks down the carbohydrate from food and drink and turns it into glucose (sugar). But when the glucose enters your bloodstream, there's no insulin to allow it into your body's cells. More and more glucose then builds up in your bloodstream.

Signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes

So what does this mean? Well, before diagnosis, your body tries to get rid of the glucose through your kidneys, and that makes you pass urine a lot. This is one of the main symptoms of diabetes. These symptoms tend to come on quickly – over just a few days or weeks. Anyone who has these symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Managing Type 1 diabetes

If you’ve got Type 1 diabetes, you get insulin into your body by injecting it, or using an Insulin pump, which delivers a constant supply into you. You’ll also need to check your blood glucose levels are not too low or too high by using a blood glucose testing device several times a day. When you start taking insulin, you’ll begin to feel better and your blood glucose levels will go down.

This is important because over a long period of time, high glucose levels in your blood can seriously damage you heart, your eyes, your feet and your kidneys. These are known as the complications of diabetes. But with the right treatment and care, the long-term effects of diabetes and high glucose levels can be managed.