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Type 1 Diabetes

Also: Diabetes (Type 1)

Why screen for early-stage Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin, called beta cells. Insulin helps us use the energy from foods we eat. A person who has T1D needs lifelong daily insulin injections to stay healthy—but T1D happens in stages. The attack on the beta cells starts before you need insulin injections. This is called early-stage T1D.

A simple blood test—that screens for T1D-related antibodies, called islet autoantibodies—can detect T1D in its earliest stages,  before there are any symptoms. Screening can: (1) identify children who are at high risk of developing T1D; (2) provide individuals and their families with an opportunity to monitor for changes in blood glucose; (3) recognize symptoms as they develop; and (4) can prevent children from getting very sick.

  1. Most individuals with T1D (90%) DO NOT have a family member with T1D. If you have a family member with type 1 diabetes, you’re at increased risk. About 1 in 20 people with a family history of type 1 diabetes will develop the condition.
  2. Most individuals who develop T1D are otherwise healthy. However, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, and having a personal or family history of autoimmune disease — like thyroid disease, celiac disease, or lupus — can signal a higher risk.
  3. Type 1 diabetes can be hard to recognize. Symptoms of increased thirst, increased urination and lack of weight gain or weight loss can be hard to recognize. Because these symptoms can be subtle, early T1D can look like a growth spurt or even a change in thirst associated with a change in routine or the weather. Sometimes, parents simply don’t realize that their child is urinating more while at school or during the night.
  4. Screening for T1D and having healthcare team support can prevent a person from becoming very sick with DKA and needing treatment in the hospital or ICU. Although rates vary generally across the United States, nearly 60% of children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are sick enough to have diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and require treatment in the intensive care unit. DKA happens when the body doesn’t make enough insulin to allow sugar into cells for energy. The body starts breaking down fat for energy, and when fat is broken down, ketones are made. Ketones can build up to dangerous levels that can lead to a child being very sick. Individuals detected by screening for T1D associated antibodies rarely progress to DKA. 

How do I screen for early-stage Type 1 Diabetes?

There is only one set of markers in the blood — islet autoantibodies — that are associated with the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Clinical, consumer and research labs measure T1D associated antibodies (and/or celiac disease) with a simple blood test.

What are the stages of Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) progresses in 3 Stages:

  • STAGE 1 — Multiple T1D-associated antibodies are detected in the blood, that indicate beta cell loss has begun. Blood sugars remain NORMAL and no symptoms are present. 
  • STAGE 2 — Blood sugar levels have become ABNORMAL due to increased loss of insulin-making beta cells; still, there are often no symptoms. 
  • STAGE 3 — The body is no longer able to make enough insulin, and blood glucose is high. Insulin treatment begins. Noticeable symptoms often appear — including frequent urination, excessive thirst, weight loss.

Resources: 

Child with insulin pump

What we’re doing at Bloom Pediatrics

Bloom Pediatrics recommends routine Type 1 Diabetes screening at your child’s 2-, 6-, and 10-year well visits. If your child falls outside these age groups and you’re interested in screening, please speak with your provider.

We believe early detection helps keep children healthier and safer. We want families to feel informed, supported and empowered in making decisions about their child’s care. Please bring any questions to your child’s next visit. We are here to help.

Questions you might have

Will this tell me my child definitely will get diabetes?

No. Screening helps identify increased risk, but it cannot predict exactly if or when diabetes may develop.

Is the screening safe?

Yes. The screening is a simple finger poke blood test with minimal risk and no cost to you.

Do we have to do it?

No. Screening is optional, and we are happy to discuss further with your family.