Vu had been healthy since childhood, but recently experienced a persistent cough, excessive thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss, which his family initially attributed to the flu. Tests at Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM revealed a blood sugar level of 16 mmol/L (normal range is 4-6 mmol/L), blood pH below 7,3, positive blood acid concentration, and low potassium. He also presented with respiratory inflammation, dry skin, altered consciousness, and a fruity odor to his breath.

Doctors diagnosed Vu with type 1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication where the body produces too many acids in the blood. Type 1 diabetes prevents the pancreas from producing insulin, forcing the body to break down fat for fuel. This process leads to an accumulation of acids in the blood, known as ketones.

Vu received immediate treatment including potassium and fluid replacement, along with insulin infusion, while his blood sugar levels were closely monitored. After two days in emergency care, his vital signs stabilized, and he was transferred to the Endocrinology and Diabetes Department for continued treatment.

Dr. Thanh Truc checks Vu's health. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc, from the Endocrinology and Diabetes Department at Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM, stated that type 1 diabetes typically has an abrupt onset of symptoms, unlike type 2 diabetes, which often progresses gradually and silently. Consequently, most cases of type 1 diabetes are diagnosed when patients are already in severe conditions, such as diabetic ketoacidosis or a coma, requiring emergency hospitalization, as seen with Vu.

Following 4 days of intensive treatment with intravenous insulin and fluid replacement, Vu regained consciousness and was discharged. However, he requires long-term insulin supplementation to manage his blood sugar effectively, as his pancreas no longer produces the hormone.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas, leading to an insulin deficiency. This deficiency can cause the body to enter a state of diabetic ketoacidosis due to severely high blood sugar. Without timely treatment, this can lead to a coma, cerebral edema, multi-organ failure, and death.

Typical symptoms include frequent urination, intense thirst, increased appetite, and unexplained weight loss. Patients may also experience other symptoms such as fatigue, blurred vision, recurrent skin infections, urinary tract infections, vaginal infections, or bedwetting in children.

Doctors note that type 1 diabetes can affect both children and adults, though it is more common in individuals under 20 years old. The exact cause of the disease remains unknown, but individuals with a parent or sibling who has type 1 diabetes face a higher risk.

Bach Duong

*Patient's name has been changed