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How can T1D be detected early?
Early Detection (Screening) can detect Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) before symptoms occur1,2
Overview
- Type 1 Diabetes develops gradually, with immune changes often occurring before symptoms appear.1,2
- Early‑detection research focuses on identifying diabetes‑related autoantibodies that appear before symptoms.2,4
- Studies have shown that people identified earlier through research had lower rates of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis.5,6 Read more about DKA
Early Detection Could Help you Get Ahead of T1D
Early Detection of Type 1 Diabetes Can:
- Gives you and your family valuable knowledge and time. Being identified earlier could help give you more time to understand the condition and reducing the stress and anxiety of a sudden diagnosis.6
- May help reduce severe illness at diagnosis. Research studies have shown lower rates of severe illness such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis among children and adults identified through early‑detection research programmes.5,6
How Does Early Detection Work?
- The main method used in research is autoantibody screening. Autoantibody screening is used to identify immune markers that appear before symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes develop.1,4
- Autoantibodies are markers made by the immune system when it mistakenly targets the body’s own insulin‑producing cells. These markers reflect an autoimmune response and are central to understanding early‑stage Type 1 Diabetes.3
- Finding certain combinations of autoantibodies can indicate a higher likelihood of developing T1D in the future. Research shows that the presence of multiple diabetes‑related autoantibodies is strongly associated with progression toward clinical Type 1 Diabetes.1,2
Decision Aid: Should I Consider Early Detection?
Early Detection for T1D is currently available in the UK through research programmes and not part of routine NHS care or a screening programme. This short decision aid may help individuals consider whether Early Detection could be relevant to them:
You may wish to explore screening if any of the following apply:
- You have a parent, sibling or child with autoimmune T1D.
- You have a second‑degree relative (grandparent, aunt, uncle or cousin) with autoimmune T1D.
- You or a family member has another autoimmune condition (e.g., coeliac disease, autoimmune thyroid disease).
- You have been diagnosed with diabetes as an adult and would like to understand whether it may be autoimmune in nature.
- You have no family history but are interested in understanding your risk within a research setting.
Early Detection does not diagnose diabetes. It identifies autoantibodies that may indicate an autoimmune process. Participation in research programmes is voluntary and doesn't replace routine NHS care.
What is Autoimmune Type 1 Diabetes?
Am I or my family at risk?
Can T1D be detected early?
If you are concerned about diabetes or its symptoms, please speak to your healthcare professional
References
- Insel RA, Dunne JL, Atkinson MA, etal. Diabetes Care. 2015;38(10):1964-1974.
- Ziegler AG, Rewers M, Simell O, et al. JAMA. 2013;309(23):2473-2479.
- Hazime R, Lamjadli S, Guennouni M, et al. Diabetes Epidemiol Manag. 2025;17:100246.
- Bonifacio E. Diabetes Care. 2015;38(6):989-996.
- Sims EK, Besser REJ, Dayan C, et al. Diabetes. 2022;71(4):610-623;
- Besser REJ, Bell KJ, Couper JJ, et al. Pediatr Diabetes. 2022;23(8):1175-1187