Type 1 Diabetes Screening: Who It’s for and Why It Matters

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.