Can You Be Screened for T1D?

Increased thirst, bed-wetting, unintended weight loss, mood changes, blurred vision: these are symptoms that commonly occur prior to a type one diabetes diagnosis. Often these symptoms go on for weeks or months, followed by a hospital stay. What if you could screen for T1D before symptoms even occur? Until now, screening was just a hopeful thought. However, T1Detect, JDRF’s screening educations and awareness program, can help guide you through testing and actions to take after. Early detection of T1D could reduce the chances of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Who is a candidate? Anyone! It is recommended that if you have a child with T1D that their siblings be screened. Analysis from the Bart’s-Oxford BOX Family Study have found that, of children diagnosed with T1D after their 10^th birthday, 3% of their siblings went on to develop T1D themselves. For children diagnosed with T1D before their 10^th birthday, the siblings that went on to develop T1D themselves rose to 23%. Researchers believe the difference in risk could be down to either genetic or environmental factors that could be influencing both siblings.

If you are interested in ordering a screening test you can find out more information on JDRF’s website.