The NHS has issued a stark warning about the early warning signs of diabetes, emphasizing that recognizing them could save lives. With nearly 6 million people in the UK now living with diabetes—an all-time high, according to Diabetes UK—the health service is urging the public to be vigilant. This figure includes all forms of the condition, as well as an estimated 1.3 million individuals who have type 2 diabetes but remain undiagnosed.
The Four Key Symptoms
Posting on social media platform X, the NHS cautioned: "Do you know the signs of type 1 diabetes? Learning them could save a life." Commonly referred to as the '4 Ts', the main indicators are:
- Toilet — Needing to urinate more frequently, especially at night.
- Thirst — Being constantly thirsty and drinking more than usual.
- Tired — Feeling very tired and having less energy.
- Thinness — Losing weight without trying.
The NHS advised: "Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if you think you or your child has type 1 diabetes."
Additional Warning Signs
Other symptoms that may vary from person to person include:
- Blurred vision
- Cuts and wounds taking longer to heal
- Frequent infections or slow recovery from illness
- Sweet or fruity smelling breath
Type 1 diabetes symptoms can appear suddenly. If left untreated, the condition can develop into diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially fatal illness.
Understanding Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body fails to produce insulin. Most people are diagnosed during childhood, and the condition cannot be prevented or cured. Insulin injections remain the primary treatment. Type 2 diabetes shares many symptoms with type 1 but typically develops more slowly and is more common in older adults. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin produced does not work properly. Often called insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes can frequently be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices. While there is no cure, some people may achieve remission, according to Diabetes UK.
Other Forms of Diabetes
Contrary to popular belief, there are more than two types of diabetes. About 2% of patients are diagnosed with other forms, including gestational diabetes, steroid-induced diabetes, type 3c diabetes, and Wolfram Syndrome.
