Protecting Your Health: Why Type 1 Diabetes Screening Matters

Why Screen for Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Early detection is essential because it helps catch the disease before symptoms appear. This proactive approach can prevent severe complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a potentially life-threatening condition caused by extremely high blood glucose levels. Screening also provides opportunities for early intervention, which can delay disease progression.
Importance of Early Detection
Screening for T1D in its early stages can:
- Prevent life-threatening complications like DKA.
- Provide education on blood glucose monitoring and healthy lifestyle practices.
- Offer treatments such as TZIELD, which can delay progression to Stage 3 T1D.
Who Should Be Screened for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)?
Screening is especially important for individuals at higher risk of developing T1D. This includes those with a family history, such as a parent, sibling, or close relative with T1D.
How to Screen for Type 1 Diabetes?
- At-Home Risk Screening Through TrialNet
TrialNet offers free home test kits for individuals at risk of T1D. The TrialNet At-Home Test works as follows:
- Order the Test: Visit TrialNet to request a free screening kit.
- Collect a Blood Sample: Use the easy fingerstick instructions included in the kit.
- Mail the Sample: Send the sample to the lab using pre-paid packaging or FedEx contactless pickup.
- Receive Results: Results are shared with you and your healthcare provider within weeks.
- Enable Biosciences Online Testing
Enable Biosciences offers an innovative, accessible option for T1D risk screening. Using their advanced platform, individuals can:
- Request a test kit online.
- Collect a sample at home using simple instructions.
- Ship the sample directly to their laboratory for analysis.
- Receive results through a secure online portal, ensuring both convenience and privacy.
- Other Local Screening Programs
Programs like the ASK Program, PLEDGE Study, and CASCADE Study provide free T1D and celiac disease screenings to eligible individuals.
What Does Screening Involve?
Screening focuses on detecting autoantibodies—proteins indicating the immune system is attacking insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. These autoantibodies can appear before symptoms of T1D.
Autoantibodies tested include:
- GAD antibodies (glutamic acid decarboxylase)
- IA-2 antibodies (tyrosine phosphatase)
- Insulin autoantibodies
- ZnT8 antibodies
If autoantibodies are detected, follow-up tests can monitor blood glucose levels and track disease progression.
Understanding the Results
Screening results can be life-changing:
- No Autoantibodies Detected: Low risk for T1D.
- One Autoantibody Detected: Some risk; further monitoring is recommended.
- Two or More Autoantibodies Detected: High risk of developing T1D; regular monitoring is essential.
Next Steps After Screening
- Metabolic Monitoring: Routine blood tests to check blood glucose and insulin levels.
- Education and Support: Learn about diabetes treatments and managing symptoms.
- Treatment Options: Explore clinical trials or therapies that may delay T1D progression.
- Emergency Preparedness: Understand the signs of high blood glucose and DKA.
Take Charge of Your Health
Screening is a proactive step in managing Type 1 diabetes effectively. Whether through TrialNet, Enable Biosciences, or other programs, early detection empowers individuals to safeguard their health and take control of their future.
Learn more about the TZIELD COMPASS Support Program: https://www.tzield.com/tzield-compass-support-program
Resources:
- Screen for Type 1
- ASK Screening for Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac | Barbara Davis Center
- TRIALNET | Pathway to Prevention
- Enable Biosciences / Transforming Early T1D Detection | Type 1 Strong
- Genetics of Diabetes | American Diabetes Association
- Breakthrough T1D Early Detection
- Detect T1D
- Detect Type 1 Diabetes Before Symptoms Start | T1D Exchange
- Sanford Research
- Cascade Kids Research Study
- Diabetes Care Journal
- FDA
