At what age is type 1 diabetes generally diagnosed?

This question has been posted in these health communities: Type 1 Diabetes

Q: At what age is type 1 diabetes generally diagnosed?

Helen Edwards (Diabetes Educator, Social Worker)
Health Professional

I have lived with type 1 diabetes since 1979. I am married with 3 boys aged 3, 12 and 18 yrs. I am the founder ... View profile
Hi there. Type 1 diabetes used to be called insulin dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes. Over the years this has become confusing as many people with Type 2 diabetes eventually need insulin to manage their diabetes and as well, adults can also get type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes never turns into type 1 diabetes - they are very different diseases.While Type 1 diabetes can and does occur at any age, it usually starts in childhood, the teen years and in young adults, with the peak age being 11 years old. It is most common under 40 years of age. People diagnosed as adults can find it tough going as it can be assumed they have type 2 diabetes due to their age. There is also an adult onset autoimmune diabetes (LADA) which is basically type 1 diabetes in adults - it has a slow onset, not quick like the usual type 1 diabetes and is also often misdiganosed initially, as type 2 diabetes. A simple blood test can tell you have type 1 or autoimmune diabetes. Reply to this post | Report
Reply to this post

You must be a Healthshare member to reply to this post. Log in to your account or Sign up now (it's free)