Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am a 19-year-old man who has been feeling extremely thirsty and urinating constantly for the past month, sometimes getting up five to six times during the night. Despite eating more than usual, I have lost 25 pounds very quickly and feel exhausted all the time. I can barely concentrate in my college classes.
People have commented that my breath smells strangely fruity, and my vision has become blurry. Yesterday, I felt nauseous and ended up vomiting. My roommate also said I seemed confused and disoriented. My grandmother had diabetes, but I always thought that was the old person kind. Could a healthy teenager like me suddenly develop diabetes? And if I’m eating more, why am I still losing so much weight?
Kindly advise.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
The symptoms you describe, extreme thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, constant fatigue, poor concentration, fruity-smelling breath, and blurred vision, match the classic picture of type 1 diabetes, likely progressing to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
To clarify, type 1 diabetes is more common in children, teenagers, and young adults. It occurs when the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to little or no insulin production. This lack of insulin explains all the symptoms you have mentioned.
To answer your question about weight loss, because your body is not producing enough insulin, glucose cannot enter your cells to be used for energy. As a result, your body starts breaking down fat and muscle to meet its energy needs. Additionally, the excess glucose spills into your urine, leading to rapid weight loss.
My urgent advice is to go to the hospital as soon as possible. Bring a friend or family member and head straight to the emergency department. The symptoms you are experiencing point to diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a medical emergency. You will likely need blood tests, IV fluids, insulin, and close monitoring.
I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.
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Answered byDr. Adam Namingsan
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
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