Jonathan Starck
General Manager UK/IE, General Medicine, Sanofi UK
Type 1 diabetes differs from Type 2. It’s a progressive autoimmune disease with symptoms that include the 4T’s.
These articles were organised, funded and reviewed by Sanofi UK
“Type 1 diabetes (T1D) begins its silent attack months to years before symptoms appear, yet many remain unaware of the early warning signs,” explains Jonathan Starck, General Manager UK/IE, General Medicines, Sanofi. “This knowledge gap is putting people’s health and lives at risk”.
T1D awareness
T1D can often be confused with Type 2 diabetes. And, although they’re very different, up to 40% of adults over 30 with Type 1 diabetes might have been initially misdiagnosed with Type 2.1 Getting the right diagnosis means being on the right care path from day one. Type 2 diabetes is influenced by age, diet, lifestyle and ethnicity, and can be reversed.
T1D is an autoimmune condition that cannot be prevented or reversed. T1D is a lifelong autoimmune disease and occurs because the body cannot make the insulin hormone. Also, while most people with T1D are diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood, it can happen to anyone, no matter their age, lifestyle choices or family history. In the UK, 400,000 people are living with the disease, approximately 32,000 of whom are aged 19 and younger.2 There’s also a dangerous misconception about its impact. Too many of us underestimate its seriousness, yet it’s a chronic disease that can be challenging with acute and long-term complications.
With symptoms, it’s important to understand the ‘4Ts’ — Thirsty, Tired, Toilet, Thinner
The hidden danger: T1D’s silent progression
T1D is challenging because it begins silently, with no symptoms. During this presymptomatic phase, the body’s immune system is already attacking and destroying the insulin-producing beta cells. “The silent stage is perhaps the most concerning aspect of T1D,” explains Starck. “People can be walking around feeling perfectly normal while their body is gradually losing its ability to produce insulin.” However, during this phase, specific biomarkers can be detected. And while routine screening for this isn’t available on the NHS, there are two large scale studies underway in the UK testing thousands of people. You can find out more about early detection through these studies: ELSA and T1DRA.
T1D doesn’t always run in families
“Having a first-degree relative with T1D increases a person’s risk of developing it by up to 15 times,” explains Starck. “Yet 90% of those diagnosed have no family history of the condition.3” “If symptoms are left untreated, patients are at risk of developing a complication called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can be life-threatening,” says Starck. To raise T1D awareness, Sanofi launched a campaign called ‘1 Step Ahead,’ which calls on the importance of knowing the facts, signs and opportunities to get ahead of T1D.
“With symptoms, it’s important to understand the ‘4Ts’ — Thirsty, Tired, Toilet, Thinner,” says Stark. Are you drinking constantly and have a thirst that cannot be quenched? Do you feel constantly tired or lacking in energy? Are you going to the toilet more frequently? And are you becoming thin for no other underlying reason?”
New horizon for T1D detection
“When symptoms present, it indicates that a person may be quite a long way down their disease,” says Starck. “By studying markers in the blood, clinicians can determine exactly where the patient is. This allows patients time to receive education and training on T1D, including recognising the symptoms of DKA, which may reduce the burden on their future health outcomes, their families and on NHS emergency care.” Starck highlights the importance of understanding T1D, its symptoms and its risk factors. “Early awareness allows families to prepare themselves and access support services,” he says. “It transforms an unexpected diagnosis into a planned transition.” Anyone experiencing any symptoms should contact their GP/health care professional.
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[1]The Lancet Regional Health – Europe 2023 (v1.0)
[2] UCL. Tackling type 1 diabetes. https://tinyurl.com/4hh3tdxs.
[3] Breakthrough T1D. Causes of type 1 diabetes. https://tinyurl.com/3h7v275c.
