Type 1 Symptoms

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes usually develop quickly over a short period. If not diagnosed and treated with insulin, a person with type 1 diabetes can lapse into diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can lead to coma if left untreated. DKA is life-threatening, so it's important to contact your healthcare provider immediately if you are experiencing symptoms. Type 1 diabetes symptoms include:

• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Extreme hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue, or a feeling of being "run down" and tired
• Tingling or burning pain in the feet, legs, hands, or other parts of the body
• Blurry vision
• Confusion
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Breath that smells sweet, or has a fruit or wine odor to it
• Dry, itchy skin
• Frequent or recurring infections, such as urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and skin infections
• Slow healing of cuts and bruises
• Irritability, depression

Reviewed by Joy Pape, RN, BSN, CDE, WOCN, CFNC 06/13.