Diagnosing type 1 diabetes
Tests and other factors that lead to a type 1 diabetes diagnosis
How is type 1 diabetes diagnosed?
Common symptoms of type 1 diabetes
A type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosis often happens suddenly or unexpectedly. Many times, the symptoms mimic those of another illness. The most common warning signs of type 1 diabetes are:
Frequent urination
Increased thirst and dry mouth
Increased appetite
Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Tests to diagnose type 1 diabetes
If a person is displaying common symptoms of T1D, the following tests to diagnose type 1 diabetes are usually done:
The quickest option to identify high blood sugar, which is associated with T1D, is a random glucose test. This test simply measures a patient’s current blood sugar. This is often the first test done to diagnose type 1 diabetes.
The hemoglobin A1c test shows the average blood-sugar level for the past two to three months.
Elevated ketones in the urine or blood indicate the body is not making enough insulin and is breaking down fat for energy.
To confirm the diagnosis, a type 1 diabetes autoantibodies test is ordered. Autoantibody testing is used to accurately classify the diabetes stage and type.
Type 1 diabetes diagnosis rates
20,000+
Children under the age of 20 diagnosed with T1D in 2024
38,000+
Adults over the age of 20 diagnosed with T1D in 2024
500,000+
Number of people globally diagnosed with T1D in 2024
Stages of type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes develops in stages over time. Detecting T1D in its early stages can prevent life-threatening complications at diagnosis. You may also be eligible for research studies to advance treatments and cures or FDA-approved therapies that delay the onset of stage 3 type 1 diabetes.
More T1D basics
Onset triggers associated with T1D
Therapies for treating T1D
Types of insulin and administration methods
The science behind type 1 diabetes
Answers to your questions about type 1 diabetes
The global scope and impact of T1D
Newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes?
When you are newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, you may at times feel scared or overwhelmed. We are here to support you and your family during this time of transition.
