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

    Researchedby:
    Mike Murray

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Morgan Pfiffner, Rob Stenstrom
    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    The signs and symptoms of T1D overlap with those of type 2 diabetes (T2D), which commonly results in many adults with T1D being mistakenly diagnosed with T2D. A classical sign of T1D is unintentional weight loss; other symptoms include:

    • Increased thirst
    • Extreme hunger
    • Frequent urination
    • Fatigue and weakness
    • Blurred vision
    • Impaired wound healing

    Sometimes the first indication of T1D is a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is characterized by excessively high levels of ketone bodies in combination with high blood glucose.[1] Symptoms of DKA include fruity-smelling breath, deep and rapid breathing, dry or flushed skin, and nausea or vomiting.[1]