Diabetes Type 1 Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

If you have any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to type 1 diabetes. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:

• Weight loss
• Increased urination
• Extreme thirst
• Hunger
• Fatigue, weakness
• Blurry vision
• Irritability
• Headaches

Destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic cells may occur so quickly that ketoacidosis (commonly known as diabetic coma) is the first sign of a problem. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include:

• Vomiting and nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Dehydration (not enough fluid in the body)
• Drowsiness
• Abnormally deep and fast breathing
• Coma
• Dry skin and mouth
• Fruity breath odor
• Rapid pulse
• Low blood pressure

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and family history, and do a physical exam.

Type 1 diabetes is diagnosed based on the results of blood tests and other criteria. These include:

• Symptoms consistent with diabetes and a random blood test revealing a blood sugar level greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL* (11.1 mmol/L)
• Blood sugar tests after you have not eaten for eight or more hours (called fasting blood test) revealing blood sugar levels greater than or equal to 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) on two different days
• Glucose tolerance test measuring blood sugar two hours after you consume glucose with a measurement greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L)
• HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher, indicating high blood sugar over the past 2-4 months

*mg/dL = milligrams per deciliter of blood, mmol/L = millimole per liter of blood

Some children may be tested for insulin levels or anti-pancreas antibodies to confirm the diagnosis.