Diabetes type 1 III: Klinische manifestaties

Type 1 diabetes symptoms can appear suddenly and may include several classic features.

In the early stages, frequent urination—known as polyuria—may develop. When blood glucose exceeds the renal threshold, excess glucose enters the urine and draws water with it through osmotic diuresis.

As more fluid is lost, the body becomes dehydrated, triggering a strong urge to replace lost fluids, leading to excessive thirst, or polydipsia.

Despite normal or increased food intake, the lack of insulin prevents glucose uptake in insulin-dependent tissues such as skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, leading to cellular energy deprivation. This results in excessive hunger, or polyphagia.

Other symptoms may include unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, chronic fatigue, dry or itchy skin, delayed wound healing, and itching of the external genitals.

Early recognition of symptoms can enable timely diagnosis and better management of type 1 diabetes.