Diagnosing type 1 diabetes
Tests and other factors that lead to a type 1 diabetes diagnosis
How is type 1 diabetes diagnosed?
A type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosis often happens suddenly or unexpectedly. Many times, the symptoms mimic those of another illness. When you visit your doctor, be sure to provide a thorough list of the symptoms you or your child is experiencing.
If a person is displaying common symptoms of type 1 diabetes, the following tests 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 T1D.
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 type.
Clinical trials: critical to making T1D a condition of the past
Clinical trials advance T1D care so people with T1D can live fuller, healthier lives. Learn more about how you can further research and drive us toward a future without T1D.
Learn more T1D basics
Recognize the early warning signs of T1D
Onset triggers associated with T1D
Therapies for treating type 1 diabetes
Early detection for type 1 diabetes
T1D 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 T1D.
