Are You at Risk for Type 1 Diabetes in Adulthood?

Type 1 diabetes in adulthood often goes undiagnosed due to subtle symptoms. It can develop at any time, even beyond your 20s.

There’s no specific research on type 1 diabetes diagnosis in your 20s.

Researchers have still found different trends and conclusions related to adult-onset diabetes, including:

Around 70% of type 1 diabetes cases around the world are cases in individuals older than 30.In 2021, 5.4 million individuals aged 20-59 and 1.6 million individuals aged 60 and older had type 1 diabetes worldwide.Type 1 diabetes diagnosed in childhood is less common than type 1 diabetes diagnosed in adulthood.

Symptoms in Adults

Some adults with type 1 diabetes may not show any signs. When symptoms do appear, they can differ from those in children and tend to be milder.

For example, an adult with type 1 diabetes might have weight loss or high levels of ketones, a condition called ketoacidosis, less frequently. Their hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels—which reflect average blood glucose over a few months—may be lower.

Other potential symptoms of type 1 diabetes in adults include:

Blurry visionDry, itchy skinExtreme fatigueFrequent urinationIntense hunger or thirstNumb or tingling feetSlow-healing cuts or bruises

Many risk factors for type 1 diabetes are the same as those for type 2 diabetes, such as:

Being a child or teenager, or an age older than 35
Family history of type 1 diabetes
High blood pressure, also called hypertension
A lack of physical activity
Overweight or obesity

Diagnosing type 1 diabetes in your 20s, 30s, and beyond involves reviewing your symptoms and bloodwork results.

Blood tests might include:

A1C test: Measures the average blood sugar level a person has across three monthsFasting plasma glucose test: Measures blood sugar in a particular moment following a fast from food and drinks—other than water—for eight hours or moreOral glucose tolerance test: Measures blood sugar levels by testing your level after you have fasted and then testing it again two hours after consuming a sugary drinkRandom plasma glucose test: Measures blood sugar in a particular moment without a fasting period

Based on your initial blood test results, a second test might be necessary. Doctors often perform multiple blood tests to confirm a diabetes diagnosis.

Type 1 diabetes can go undiagnosed. It’s important to consult a doctor if you have symptoms or risk factors.

People with type 1 diabetes—no matter when diagnosed—need to take insulin and check their blood sugar daily. A doctor can help you determine the type of insulin you need and how to monitor your blood sugar.

Part of treating type 1 diabetes also involves managing your blood sugar with lifestyle changes, like eating a healthy diet with a specialized meal plan. It’s also important to exercise regularly and avoid smoking to keep your blood sugar levels under control.

Mortality rates for adult-onset type 1 diabetes are higher compared to those without diabetes. However, these rates have decreased over time. Type 1 diabetes is manageable when diagnosed and treated promptly with appropriate care.

There’s also no cure for type 1 diabetes. However, researchers are looking for more ways to lower the effects of this type of diabetes.

An FDA-approved medication called teplizumab has been developed to help delay the onset of type 1 diabetes in people at risk for the condition.