Can You Develop Type 1 Diabetes in Your 20s and Beyond?

Though type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in younger individuals, you can develop type 1 diabetes in your 20s and beyond. Type 1 diabetes—previously called insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes—is a condition where people can't make their insulin or make very little.

Type 1 diabetes in adulthood, also called adult-onset type 1 diabetes, may go undetected because people can be asymptomatic. It is sometimes diagnosed as type 2 diabetes because of how similar they are. Read on to learn more about adult-onset type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes Later in Life

There's no specific research on type 1 diabetes diagnosis in your 20s. Researchers have still found different trends and conclusions related to adult-onset diabetes, including:

• Around 70% of type 1 diabetes cases around the world are cases in individuals older than 30.
• In 2021, 5.4 million individuals aged 20 to 59 and 1.6 million individuals aged 60 and older had type 1 diabetes worldwide.
• Type 1 diabetes diagnosed in childhood is less common than type 1 diabetes diagnosed in adulthood.

Symptoms in Adults

In some cases, adults with type 1 diabetes may not show any signs of the condition. When adults have symptoms, the signs can differ from those of children and are less severe.

For example, an adult with type 1 diabetes might experience weight loss or high levels of ketones, a condition called ketoacidosis, less frequently. In addition, their hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels—which test for average blood sugar levels over a few months—can be lower.

Other potential symptoms of type 1 diabetes in adults are:

• Blurry vision
• Dry, itchy skin
• Extreme fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Intense hunger or thirst
• Numb or tingling feet
  
• Slow-healing cuts or bruises

Risk Factors

Many risk factors for type 1 diabetes are the same as for type 2 diabetes, which include:

• Being a child or teenager, or an age older than 35
• Family history of type 1 diabetes
• High blood pressure, also called hypertension
• A lack of physical activity
• Overweight or obesity
  

How Is Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in your 20s, 30s, and beyond considers your symptoms and results from bloodwork. Blood tests a healthcare provider might complete include:

• A1C test: Measures the average blood sugar level a person has across three months
• Fasting plasma glucose test: Measures blood sugar in a particular moment following a fast from food and drinks—other than water—for eight hours or more
• Oral glucose tolerance test: Measures blood sugar levels by testing your level after you've fasted and then testing it again two hours after you've consumed a sugary drink
• Random plasma glucose test: Measures blood sugar in a particular moment without a fasting period

Depending on the results of the first blood test, a second test may be necessary. Healthcare providers may do multiple blood tests to confirm a diagnosis of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes can go undiagnosed, so it's important to see a healthcare provider if you have symptoms or risk factors.

Treatment

People with type 1 diabetes—whether diagnosed before, during, or after their 20s—have to take insulin and check their blood sugar daily. A healthcare provider can help you determine which type of insulin you need and the best way to monitor your blood sugar.

Part of treating type 1 diabetes also involves managing your blood sugar with lifestyle changes, like eating a healthy diet with a specialized meal plan. It's also important to exercise regularly and avoid smoking to keep your blood sugar levels under control.

Living With Type 1 Diabetes

Mortality rates for people with adult-onset type 1 diabetes are higher compared to those for people without diabetes. Despite this, the rates have decreased over time. What's important to note is that type 1 diabetes is manageable when diagnosed and addressed immediately with the appropriate treatments.

There's also no cure for type 1 diabetes, but researchers are looking for more ways to reduce the effects of this type of diabetes. For example, an FDA-approved medication called teplizumab has been developed to help delay the onset of type 1 diabetes in people at risk for the condition.

A Quick Review

It's possible to receive a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes when you're a child or teen but also in your 20s or older age. Adult-onset type 1 diabetes is common, though it may go undiagnosed or diagnosed as type 2 diabetes in some cases.

An adult with type 1 diabetes may not show symptoms or may have milder symptoms compared to a child or teen. It's best to see a healthcare provider if you have symptoms, risk factors, or both to confirm a diabetes diagnosis and receive a treatment plan to help manage it.