Christina Hamilton, RGN/RCN/RNP
Education and Support Coordinator, Diabetes Ireland
Recognise type 1 diabetes symptoms early: TEST for Thirst, Energy, Sudden weight change and Toilet trips. Early diagnosis can prevent life-threatening DKA.
Recognising the symptoms of type 1 diabetes can be as simple as remembering the acronym TEST: Thirst (increased), Energy (reduced), Sudden (weight change), Toilet trips (increased).
Awareness of type 1 diabetes symptoms
A collaborative campaign between Diabetes Ireland and the Childhood Diabetes National Register aims to raise awareness among the general public about type 1 diabetes symptoms to avoid diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a potentially life-threatening complication. Recognise the following signs early:
Thirst (increased): being extremely thirsty but unable to quench the thirst
Energy (reduced): lack of energy and feeling very tired or weak
Sudden (weight change): rapid, unexplained weight loss over a short period of time
Toilet trips (increased): frequent urination, particularly at night
A simple finger prick blood glucose
test or urine test can determine a
diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.
Do not delay, avoid DKA
Delays in the diagnosis of adults with type 1 diabetes are an ongoing problem in Ireland. In children and young people, the rate of new-onset type 1 is 37.6 cases/100,000 annually, which is increasing. On average, seven children and teens are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes each week in Ireland.
Diagnosis delays can quickly lead to DKA, which is a potentially life-threatening but avoidable complication of diabetes. It can be avoided through early diagnosis and treatment to replace missing insulin. Most children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are identified by high blood glucose levels and do not have DKA at diagnosis. However, one in four will present with DKA at the time of diagnosis.
Seek help early for diagnosis
If you are concerned about the TEST symptoms, seek help as soon as possible. Contact your GP or local pharmacist. A simple finger prick blood glucose test or urine test can determine a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.
Earlier diagnosis can prevent DKA and lead to better outcomes for those diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. People in Ireland and across the globe with type 1 diabetes are living their lives to the fullest — and key to this is early diagnosis.
