Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms & Warning Signs
Knowing the warning signs for type 1 diabetes (T1D) could save a life.
Warning signs of T1D (these may occur suddenly):
- Extreme thirst
- Frequent urination
- Sudden vision changes
- Sugar in urine
- Fruity, sweet, or wine-like odor on breath
- Increased appetite
- Sudden weight loss
- Drowsiness, lethargy
- Heavy, labored breathing
- Stupor, unconsciousness
If you or someone you love exhibits one or more of these symptoms, call a doctor immediately.
Education about the symptoms of T1D is critical because type 1 can easily be mistaken for more common illnesses, such as the flu. JDRF has literature which lists the symptoms and treatments of type 1 diabetes and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)–available for download here.
Each year, more than 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with T1D; 15,000 adults and 15,000 children. That’s about 80 people each and every day.
Misdiagnosis can have tragic consequences, including death. Knowing the warning signs of T1D can save a life. Please share what you’ve learned with everyone–family, friends, teachers, doctors. Until a cure is found, the more who know, the more lives will be saved.
Please help JDRF raise awareness about the warning signs of T1D–a chronic, debilitating autoimmune disease that is most often diagnosed before the age of 30. As with many diseases, early diagnosis goes a long way toward preventing serious health problems, and even death.
