Signs and symptoms of autoimmune type 1 diabetes

In autoimmune type 1 diabetes, the body mistakenly attacks insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, leading to high levels of blood glucose.¹

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What are the signs and symptoms of autoimmune type 1 diabetes?Common Symptoms of Autoimmune Type 1 Diabetes?What are the red flag autoimmune type 1 diabetes symptoms?What are the symptoms of autoimmune type 1 diabetes in children compared to adults?What are the symptoms of autoimmune type 1 diabetes symptoms in men compared to women?What triggers the onset of autoimmune type 1 diabetes symptoms?What to do if you recognize symptoms of autoimmune diabetes type 1 in you or your child?

What are the signs and symptoms of autoimmune type 1 diabetes?

Autoimmune type 1 diabetes is a lifelong, complex condition that develops progressively.¹

The early stages of autoimmune type 1 diabetes (stage 1 / 2) are presymptomatic, whilst the later stage (stage 3) is symptomatic, with a quick start of symptoms within days to weeks.¹

Along with symptoms, autoimmune type 1 diabetes can result in a medical emergency called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) if not identified early. Screening can help identify people with presymptomatic autoimmune type 1 diabetes and prevent medical emergencies.

Common symptoms of autoimmune type 1 diabetes:

Increased hunger (polyphagia)

The body uses glucose from food and drinks as one of the main energy sources. Insulin helps the cells take up glucose from the bloodstream.² The lack of insulin in type 1 diabetes means that the cells consume glucose less effectively, and as a consequence, the cells starve. You may notice this by feeling more hungry than usual.

Fatigue or weakness

Several factors may contribute to fatigue and weakness in people with type 1 diabetes. Changing glucose levels, nerve pain, and sleep problems all contribute to exhaustion and can cause fatigue and muscle weakness.^3,4

Blurred vision

Irregularly high blood glucose in people with type 1 diabetes damages blood vessels all over the body. Injuries to the blood vessels in the eye can lead to vision problems.^5,6

Slow-healing wounds

Type 1 diabetes disturbs important processes for normal wound healing, such as inflammation and blood circulation.⁷ As a consequence, wounds may heal more slowly than usual.

Frequent infections

Increased blood glucose levels also harm the body’s defence system against bacteria and viruses, making people with type 1 diabetes more likely to get infections.⁸

Frequent urination (polyuria) and excessive thirst (polydipsia)

In autoimmune type 1 diabetes, the kidneys produce more urine to try to clear the excess glucose from the body.² This makes you pee more frequently than usual. The loss of fluid then makes you more thirsty than usual.

Unexplained weight loss

Unexplained weight loss is one of the most common symptoms of autoimmune type 1 diabetes. As the body cannot feed its cells with glucose sufficiently,² the body breaks down fat and muscle for energy to compensate, leading to weight loss.

Recognize the warning signs of autoimmune type 1 diabetes with the 4 Ts of type 1 diabetes:⁹

What are the red flag autoimmune type 1 diabetes symptoms?

Red flag symptoms are those that require immediate medical attention. If you or your child experiences any symptoms of type 1 diabetes, talk to a medical professional immediately.

Red flag symptoms in autoimmune type 1 diabetes can be a sign of autoimmune type 1 diabetes complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).^9,10 Watch out for warning signs of these complications:^9,10

a fruity-smelling breath similar to the smell of nail polish remover or drop sweets
rapid breathing
nausea or vomiting
severe fatigue
confusion

Learn more about the potential complications of type 1 diabetes

What are the symptoms of autoimmune type 1 diabetes in children compared to adults?

Autoimmune type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, with symptoms slightly differing in children and adults.¹¹ In children, the effects of autoimmune type 1 diabetes on the body include, for instance, bedwetting, irritability, and/or unusual behaviour.⁹ Whilst in adults, symptoms can be similar to those caused by type 2 diabetes, making the diagnosis more challenging.¹²

What are the symptoms of autoimmune type 1 diabetes in men compared to women?

Women and men can experience autoimmune type 1 diabetes differently in terms of symptoms and likelihood of certain complications.^13–15

Women with autoimmune type 1 diabetes have a higher chance of experiencing cardiovascular (heart) and kidney problems.¹⁶ Women also have higher rates of additional autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis, making complications more likely.¹⁵

In men, autoimmune type 1 diabetes is more frequently associated with reduced muscle mass than in women.¹⁷

What triggers the onset of autoimmune type 1 diabetes symptoms?

Autoimmune type 1 diabetes is a complex disease and can take years to develop before the first symptoms appear. The exact triggers of the condition are currently unknown, although a combination of genetic and environmental factors is thought to cause autoimmune type 1 diabetes.¹

Learn more about how autoimmune type 1 diabetes works

What to do if you recognize symptoms of autoimmune type 1 diabetes in you or your child?

If you recognize autoimmune type 1 diabetes symptoms in yourself or your child, talk to a healthcare provider. Seek immediate medical help when you notice red flag symptoms.

Autoimmune type 1 diabetes is often first diagnosed following a medical emergency.⁹ This doesn’t need to be the case.

Early detection of autoimmune type 1 diabetes through screening can identify individuals with an increased chance of developing the condition before type 1 diabetes symptoms appear and provides a better way to be introduced to living with the condition than through a medical emergency.^9,17–19

Some individuals with a family history of autoimmune type 1 diabetes or autoimmune diseases, such as celiac or thyroid disease, have an increased chance of developing autoimmune type 1 diabetes.¹⁸ For these people, screening is strongly recommended.

Learn more about the screening for autoimmune type 1 diabetes.