06/11/2025
Did you know that Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) can now be detected before symptoms appear?!?! A simple blood test can identify autoantibodies that may be attacking the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Why does early detection matter:
•It greatly REDUCES the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (a medical emergency) at diagnosis
•It gives families time to PLAN and CONNECT with care teams
•It opens ACCESS to research trials and therapies that may delay disease progression
Who should consider screening:
•Children and adults with a first-degree or second-degree relative with T1D
•Children with a personal or family history of a first-degree relative with celiac disease or autoimmune thyroid disease (e.g. Hashimoto’s)
How to get screened:
Ask your pediatrician or family physician about a blood test for T1D autoantibodies, which may include:
• Insulin autoantibody (IAA)
• GAD65 autoantibody
• IA-2 autoantibody
• Zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8)
autoantibody
If any are positive, your provider can guide you on confirmatory testing and next steps.
Bottom line:
Early detection gives families the chance to PREPARE rather than REACT. Talk with your child’s provider about whether screening is right for your family.
Check out for more information and resources about screening.
