How does Diabetes type 1 get diagnosed?

A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with diabetes type 1. Everything unfolded in the span of 3 months and 3 days. This is his story.

‘’In the early days of January, I noticed changes in my daily routines - frequent night trips to the bathroom, recurring calf cramps and an insatiable thirst for more than 5 litres of water each day. Attributing these symptoms to the stress of work and the joy of becoming a first-time father, I dismissed them as minor inconveniences, convinced of my own good health.

But by February, the signs became too glaring to ignore. Cravings for sugary treats like cola and ice cream intensified, and I found myself perplexed by the sensation that drinking insane amounts of water provided an instant addictive relief. As the month drew to a close, I stepped on the scale to find a startling revelation – a dramatic weight loss of 10 kg and a wardrobe that no longer fits me.?

Concerned by these sudden changes, my wife, close friends, and mother urged me to seek medical attention. On Monday, March 11th, I finally listened to their advice and visited my GP for urine and blood tests, which yielded a potential diagnosis of diabetes due to elevated blood sugar levels. An immediate appointment was scheduled at Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen for Wednesday, leaving me grappling with a whirlwind of emotions as I spent the entire evening immersed in research on diabetes and blood sugar management.

On Tuesday, March 12th, my mother had an early flight, and not wanting to cause her undue worry, I decided to go about my day as usual, heading to work as I normally would. However, as the morning progressed, I noticed peculiar sensations creeping into my arms and legs, accompanied by a dryness in my mouth and a growing sense of confusion and disorientation. Some time after lunch, my colleagues couldn't help but notice my pale face and the evident distress I was experiencing. Concerned for my well-being, they called 1813 and before I knew it, I found myself being whisked away to Herlev og Gentofte Hospital . Arriving at the entrance, I felt increasingly wobbly and unstable, unsure of what was happening to my body. However, I was met with warmth and reassurance from the nursing staff, who guided me gently into the examination room for a blood sugar level check, using a finger-prick test. As the nurse read out the result – 30.2 mmol/L – my heart sank with worry. Was this really my blood sugar level? I asked anxiously. With a comforting nod, the nurse confirmed my fears, explaining the significance of the reading. She herself was living with diabetes and showed me her insulin pump, offering a glimpse into the future of my own treatment. Further tests revealed elevated ketone levels, further compounding my fears. Though I didn't fully grasp the implications at the time, the nurse assured me that there was no immediate danger of poisoning. After some much-needed rest, I received my first dose of insulin – a long-acting Semglee injection – before being discharged.

Returning home that night to my family and coming to terms with the weight of my new reality was the toughest thing ever.

On Wednesday, March 13th, I arrived promptly for my early 8:00 appointment at Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen , ready to confront the next chapter of my journey with determination. As I entered the centre, I was greeted by a team of dedicated professionals who wasted no time in conducting a series of comprehensive tests. Throughout the morning, I underwent a battery of short and long-lasting blood and body testing procedures, each one providing valuable insights into my health status. With meticulous attention to detail, the amazing professionals ultimately concluded that I most likely had Type 1 diabetes. While the diagnosis wasn't yet confirmed with absolute certainty, the thoroughness of their assessments instilled a sense of trust and confidence. With every passing moment, I felt reassured that I was in capable hands, surrounded by individuals dedicated to my well-being. Following the testing procedures, the remainder of the day was dedicated to education and empowerment. I was introduced to the fundamentals of carbohydrate counting, insulin administration and blood sugar monitoring. I even measured my own levels at 22.4 mmol/L and 1.5 ketones.?

Throughout the follow-up appointments my care team prepared a robust plan and successfully reduced my levels consequently from 12-16 mmol/L to 8-12 and finally to 3.5-10 within a month. Moreover, I started using a sensor-based glucose monitoring system, Freestyle Libre 2, empowering me to organise my daily eating and lifestyle habits more effectively.

Reflecting on those tumultuous days, I'm grateful for the kindness and expertise of the medical staff at Steno who guided me through a moment of profound uncertainty. Over the past month, I called them more than a hundred times. Despite the overwhelming demand, they patiently stayed on the line, addressing each of my countless questions with care and understanding. Though my journey with diabetes was only just beginning, their compassionate care provided a beacon of hope amidst the chaos, reminding me that I was not alone in facing this new reality.

There are 8.4 million people worldwide with diabetes 1. That’s unlucky. But I am lucky that it happened in Denmark.‘’