What are the symptoms and signs of Type 1 diabetes?

• High blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia)
• Excessive urination (polyuria)
• Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
• Weight loss
• Tiredness

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These symptoms are usually abrupt, developing over a period of a few days. However, in older individuals the symptoms may be milder and develop over a longer period.

If the diagnosis is missed, a life-threatening condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis may occur. The acute lack of insulin causes very high blood glucose levels. Because the body cannot use glucose for energy, it breaks down fat stores in an attempt to provide an alternative source of energy to prevent starvation. Fats are converted to ketones by the liver. Ketones can be used by the body for energy, but in the absence of insulin they accumulate in the blood. In excess, ketones are acidic and toxic. Together with the dehydration resulting from high blood glucose, this can lead to coma.

In addition to the symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes, the following progression of additional signs and symptoms would be experienced with diabetic ketoacidosis:

• Presence of ketones in the urine
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Laboured breathing (Kussmaul repiration)
• Drowsiness
• Loss of consciousness

With early diagnosis and treatment, this complication of uncontrolled diabetes may be avoided.

Reviewed by Michael Brown & Vanessa Melville, B Nursing (Wits) and Accredited Diabetes Educators, Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology (Pty) Ltd, Houghton, Johannesburg, 24th February 2008

Read more:
The Glycaemic Index
The treatment of Type 1 diabetes
Who gets Type 1 diabetes and who is at risk of the disease?

 

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