How does your doctor diagnose type 1 diabetes?

If you have developed type 1 diabetes, there will almost always be symptoms.
You may experience symptoms such as fatigue, thirst, and that you need to urinate all the time.
You may also find your vision becomes blurred, that your mouth is dry or that you lose a lot of weight over a short period of time.

If you have any symptoms like these, consult your doctor.
You can learn more about symptoms in the film “What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes?”

Others find that they become acutely ill with symptoms such as stomach ache, vomiting, fever, shortness of breath and confusion.
In this case, you or a relative will typically contact your doctor or the emergency medical service,
and you will then be admitted to the emergency department at a hospital.

Your doctor will always ask you about your symptoms and you will have to give a blood sample.
The blood sample shows your actual blood sugar level as well as your long-term blood sugar level.
The long-term blood sugar is called haemoglobin A1C, and it tells you what your blood sugar level has been during the past 8 to 12 weeks.

It is the doctor at the hospital who diagnoses type 1 diabetes.
The doctor does this based on your symptoms and your blood sample.
At least 1 of the following 3 criteria must be met if you are to be diagnosed with diabetes.

First: If you are not fasting, your blood sugar level should be above 11,1 milimol per litre.

Or second: If you are fasting, your blood sugar level should be above 7 milimol per litre.

Or third: Your long-term blood sample must be above 48 milimol per mol.

Your doctor will always perform two measurements in order to be sure about the result.
Your doctor may be in doubt about the type of diabetes you have.
In this case, other samples will be taken.
The samples show how much insulin you produce yourself and whether you have antibodies in your blood.

If your insulin production is low and the level of antibodies is high,
you will be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

If you have type 1 diabetes, you will be referred to an out-patient clinic for diabetics.
They will examine you further and ensure that you get the best possible treatment.