What happens if type 1 diabetes is not treated?

In type 1 diabetes, the body cannot make enough insulin to move glucose from the blood into cells. The body then breaks down fat for energy, producing acidic chemicals called ketones. As ketones accumulate, diabetic ketoacidosis can cause thirst, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, deep or fast breathing, dehydration and increasing drowsiness. Without treatment, blood chemistry can become severely disturbed, leading to loss of consciousness and organ failure.

Type 1 diabetes needs medical treatment with insulin and a personalised monitoring plan. If you have excessive thirst, frequent urination, bedwetting in a child, unintentional weight loss or marked tiredness, arrange urgent assessment rather than waiting for symptoms to pass. A diabetes education programme can teach glucose checks, insulin use, food planning and sick-day rules. Follow your diabetes medication management plan and never omit insulin without advice from your diabetes team.

Call emergency services for vomiting with diabetes symptoms, stomach pain, deep or fast breathing, fruity-smelling breath, confusion, extreme sleepiness or inability to keep fluids down. These can indicate diabetic ketoacidosis and require hospital treatment. Low blood glucose can also be dangerous; follow your agreed hypoglycaemia plan and seek help if the person is confused, having a seizure or cannot safely swallow.

Ask how to recognise high and low glucose, when to check ketones, how to adjust insulin during illness, and who to contact outside clinic hours. Ask for written sick-day instructions and help teaching family members what to do in an emergency.