Know these 5 diabetes warning signs

Know these 5 diabetes warning signs

In a post that has more than one million likes, singer Nick Jonas took to Instagram in 2019 to reflect on the 14-year anniversary of his Type 1 diabetes diagnosis and shared how the disease has affected his life.

“This experience has shaped how I approach my health – working out, eating well and always thinking about my blood sugar and insulin needs,” Jonas wrote in the caption.

The celebrity has been open in the past about his battle with the disease, but he recently shared in an interview with Cigar Aficionado that he was close to falling into a coma at the time of his diagnosis due to his blood sugar levels being nine times higher than normal, People reports. Leading up to his diagnosis, Jonas lost a considerable amount of weight and developed a never-ending thirst for sugary drinks — two telltale signs of diabetes.

“Type 1 diabetes is an unpreventable autoimmune disease in which the body does not produce insulin,” explains Dr. Vidhya Viswanathan, a pediatric endocrinologist at Advocate Children’s Hospital. “It is most common to see a diagnosis in children and young adults, especially during the years of puberty, although it can occur at any age.”

Dr. Viswanathan says that almost all children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes present with similar early warning signs. She advises parents to be aware of the following signs and symptoms:

  1. Excessive thirst and frequent urination
  2. Increased appetite
  3. Fatigue
  4. Unexplained weight loss
  5. Bedwetting

“Often, a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis happens unexpectedly, and both parents and the child are overwhelmed with questions and concern,” Dr. Viswanathan says. “It’s important to remember this is a condition that can be managed by utilizing insulin therapy effectively and with a well-balanced, nutritious diet.”

Are you concerned about your risk for Type 2 diabetes? Take a free assessment online by clicking here.

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Comments

2 Comments

  1. Just checking….l believe at your direction I’m on the list for vaccination. I’m almost 84 years old and, thank God, in good health. Christ hospital in Oak Lawn is my closest Advocate facility. Can someone check and let me know. Many thanks.

    • This isn’t the place to ask this question nor expect an answer back. call your doctor or check the advocate app.

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About the Author

Julie Nakis
Julie Nakis

Julie Nakis, health enews contributor, is manager of public affairs at Advocate Children's Hospital. She earned her BA in communications from the University of Iowa – Go Hawkeyes! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring the city and cheering on the Chicago Cubs and Blackhawks.