Know your options
Advancements in treatment and management of autoimmune type 1 diabetes may offer ways to help. Talk to your or your loved one’s doctor about what could come next. You or your loved one may be able to participate in a clinical trial or explore certain treatment options.
Amanda Smith's youngest daughter was diagnosed with T1D during an emergency. Prompted by this, Amanda proactively screened her other three daughters for type 1 diabetes autoantibodies; leading to early detection for one. That time to prepare before insulin dependence has made all the difference for the family.
Learn the symptoms of autoimmune type 1 diabetes
Get prepared by learning about and keeping an eye out for symptoms before they appear. Some symptoms to watch out for are:
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Bed-wetting in children who previously didn’t wet the bed while asleep
- Extreme hunger
- Unintended weight loss
- Irritability and other mood changes
- Fatigue and weakness
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Slow-healing cuts
Always talk to a doctor about any symptoms you or a loved one may be experiencing.
Monitoring blood sugar
Monitoring blood sugar is one way to keep track of autoimmune type 1 diabetes. In the early stages of the disease, even when there aren’t visible symptoms, blood sugar levels can start to shift higher or lower than the normal range. That’s how you know type 1 diabetes may be progressing. You can work with a doctor to check your or your loved one’s blood sugar.
Find the right care team
Endocrinologists and diabetes educators are diabetes experts. Talk to a doctor to help guide you or your loved one on the best ways to manage type 1 diabetes and help assemble the right care team.
JDRF's T1Detect Program
T1Detect is JDRF'S education and awareness program for type 1 diabetes. Find out more about the importance of screening, different ways to get screened, and what to do after you've received your results.
Ask the Experts Program
A group of type 1 diabetes experts are available to offer support and answer questions about early screening and
what the results mean. They can also
provide advice about a plan for
monitoring and future testing.
