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Be prepared by screening for autoimmune T1D

The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Screening decisions should always be made in consultation with your doctor.

 

Your healthcare provider can screen before symptoms appear

Autoimmune T1D can’t be prevented, however, screening before symptoms appear prepares you with knowledge so you can reduce your risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and be ready for living with autoimmune T1D.

 

Your healthcare provider can screen before symptoms appear

 

 

Who should be screened for autoimmune T1D?

RELATIVE/FAMILY ICON
People related to someone with autoimmune T1D, such as a parent, sibling, child, grandparent, cousin, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew.
AUTOIMMUNE ICON
People with autoimmune conditions, particularly celiac disease and thyroid disease.
PRE-DIABETES OR QUESTIONMARK ICON
People who have elevated blood sugars and have been previously diagnosed with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, as they may actually have aT1D.

 

WARNING ICON
Regardless of family history, anyone at any age can develop autoimmune T1D – assess your risk with our guide

 

 

All it takes is a simple blood test to screen for T1D autoantibodies

Type 1 diabetes autoantibodies are markers in your blood that confirm if your immune system is attacking the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Development of autoantibodies can happen months or even years before symptoms appear, providing a chance to catch T1D early.

PRICK ICON
Dried Blood Spot (DBS) is a simple blood test where a small sample is collected, usually from a finger prick.

 

 

 

How to get screened

DOCTOR ICON

Ask a healthcare provider

Ask your family healthcare provider for the best screening option for you or your family member. They may be able to order screening for you in their clinic. Another option is to participate in screening through the TrialNet Research Group. They provide screening kits at no cost to individuals who have a relative with autoimmune T1D. For more information, visit trialnet.org.

 

TEST KIT ICON

Request a screening kit

You can sign up for a screening kit if you have a family member with autoimmune T1D through the TrialNet Research Program.

 

 

What to expect after screening

NEGATIVE TEST ICON

Negative result

If the screening does not detect any autoantibodies, it means the immediate risk of developing autoimmune T1D is low. However, your healthcare provider may recommend repeat screening in the future based on certain factors like your age and family history of autoimmune T1D.

 

 

POSITIVE TEST ICON

Positive result

The detection of one or more autoantibodies doesn’t mean you or your family member have autoimmune T1D, but the risk of developing symptomatic autoimmune T1D exists. The test will be repeated to confirm the results, and your healthcare provider will monitor you closely for signs of progression and provide guidance on next steps.

 

 

Early detection and ongoing monitoring can help you reduce the occurrence of DKA and prepare you for the possibility of living with an autoimmune T1D diagnosis.

 

If you’re concerned about autoimmune T1D, ask a healthcare provider about getting screened