INFOGRAPHIC

Early Detection of Type 1 Diabetes: An Important Benefit

By Amanda Doyle
Reviewed by Claudia Levi, R.N.
February 13, 2025
Did You Know? Early detection of type 1 diabetes reduces the risk of a life-threatening complication. Many people don’t recognize they have diabetes until they develop diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This complication can cause very serious symptoms. Source: Simmons, KM et al. Screening and Prevention of Type 1 Diabetes: Where Are We? Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023.

Early detection of type 1 diabetes can help reduce the risk of a potentially life-threatening complication called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Unfortunately, many people don’t recognize they have diabetes until they develop this serious issue, which can require hospitalization.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is caused by high blood glucose levels and low insulin. It’s a state in which your blood is too acidic. This happens when your body breaks down fat instead of glucose for energy, causing the buildup of acidic substances called ketones in the blood.

Symptoms of DKA include:

  • Excessive thirst and dry mouth
  • Frequent urination
  • Fruity-smelling breath
  • Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain
  • Headache and muscle aches
  • Facial flushing
  • Fast breathing
  • Decreased alertness
  • Coma, in severe cases

Many people have DKA at the time of their type 1 diabetes diagnosis, according to research, because its symptoms prompted them to seek care.

This is one reason some families opt for screening. Type 1 diabetes screening can indicate the disease is developing before symptoms appear.

People who may be at risk for type 1 diabetes include children, teens, and young adults who have a parent or sibling with the disease.

With proper diagnosis and understanding of one’s health, a person who tests positive for type 1 diabetes can take steps to monitor and address their blood sugar levels to prevent DKA and other complications.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Type 1 Diabetes.

MedlinePlus. (2023). Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

Simmons, KM et al. Screening and Prevention of Type 1 Diabetes: Where Are We? Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023.