Because type 1 diabetes develops in stages over time, a blood test can identify people at risk by looking for proteins in the blood called autoantibodies. These autoantibodies signal that the body’s immune system is attacking the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. If a person has two or more persistent autoantibodies, they are at high risk for developing type 1 diabetes.

People who have a family member with type 1 diabetes are at an increased risk (15x) for developing the disease. Current clinical guidelines recommend people with a first-degree relative with T1D (parent, sibling, or child) get screened. However, about 85% of T1D diagnoses happen to people with no known family connection which is why JDRF has a long-term goal of global universal screening. Everyone should know the signs and symptoms of T1D. ^1,2

Detecting type 1 diabetes risk in its early stages can prevent life-threatening complications and hospitalization during diagnosis. It may also open the opportunity to participate in clinical trials or you may be eligible for FDA approved disease modifying therapies like Teplizumab-mzwv (Tzield). Teplizumab-mzwv (Tzield) can delay the onset of insulin dependent T1D for an average of two years.³ If you have positive test results, you will also be able to develop a plan for further monitoring with your doctor to avoid an unexpected emergency diagnosis.