Type 1 Diabetes Screening: Why It Matters

If you or a family member has type 1 diabetes, or you’re at risk, it’s important to consider screening. 

Type 1 diabetes is a condition that happens when a person’s immune system attacks the cells in their pancreas that make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels. Without it, sugar builds up in the blood and causes serious health problems. 

Screening can detect type 1 diabetes with a blood test, even before symptoms are noticeable. It may also show that someone is at higher risk for developing the condition. 

How Screening Can Help 

Learning a person is at risk for type 1 diabetes can allow for early intervention, which is important for several reasons: 

• To help them manage potential complications associated with type 1 diabetes 

• So they can explore treatment options 

• To give them the chance to delay the onset of diabetes, in some cases 

Early detection can give someone the opportunity to learn and understand the symptoms of type 1 diabetes. They may become better prepared to prevent complications, like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can be life-threatening. 

Who Should Be Screened? 

Screening is especially important for people who have a higher risk of type 1 diabetes. 

Someone is at higher risk if they have a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes, or if they have certain genetic traits. 

Also, some conditions like celiac disease or thyroid disease may increase one’s chances of developing type 1 diabetes. 

The Screening Process 

Screening is simple. A blood sample is taken and screened to detect diabetes-related autoantibodies. These are proteins the immune system makes that show the pancreas is under attack. 

Affordable (and sometimes free) options for screening are available: 

• At-home test kits can cost around $55, with reduced-cost options for those in need. Positive results require follow-up testing at a doctor’s office. 

• Clinical trial programs, such as TrialNet, offer free testing for people with a family history of type 1 diabetes. They provide free in-home test kits or lab test kits. 

• Doctor’s office or lab tests typically cost about $100, though some insurance plans may cover them. 

Understanding the Results 

If you or a family member gets screened, here are the possible results and what they mean: 

• 0 autoantibodies found: This means there’s a very low chance of getting type 1 diabetes, but the doctor may suggest rescreening every year up until age 18 if there’s a family history of type 1 diabetes. 

• 1 autoantibody found: The risk of developing type 1 diabetes is higher. Rescreening is recommended every six to 12 months (depending on the person’s age) to see if more autoantibodies develop. 

• 2 or more autoantibodies found: The early stages of type 1 diabetes may have begun. The doctor might suggest regular testing or connect you with a clinical trial to help delay the progression of type 1 diabetes. 

Most people who receive testing will have a result of no autoantibodies. If any antibodies are found, it’s very important to follow up with your healthcare provider. 

If type 1 diabetes runs in your family, talk to your doctor about screening to see if your risk is increased. Early detection can make all the difference. 

References:  

trialnet.org  

https://www.breakthrought1d.org/early-detection/#:~:text=A%20blood%20test%20can%20identify,to%20develop%20type%201%20diabetes.  

https://www.screenfortype1.com/about-t1d-screening/#what-is-screening  

https://www.asktheexperts.org/for-families  

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4874193/#:~:text=Type%201%20diabetes%20(T1D)%2C,genetic%20T1D%20risk%20(1).\  

https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/genetics-diabetes  

https://diabetesjournals.org/diabetes/article/72/Supplement_1/1294-P/151091/1294-P-Prevalence-of-Islet-Autoantibodies-in 

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