Understanding your
screening results

If the screening results show no type 1 diabetes‑related autoantibodies, that’s reassuring news. It means there’s no evidence of early-stage type 1 diabetes at this time.⁴

While it’s great to have your mind put at ease for now, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about getting screened again in the future, especially if you have a family history of type 1 diabetes or other risk factors (like a family history of other autoimmune conditions).^4,5

If no type 1 diabetes-related autoantibodies are detected, that means they weren’t present when the screening test was performed. But they can appear later in life, so a risk of type 1 diabetes in the future can’t be completely ruled out.⁶

Having a close family member with type 1 diabetes increases the risk of having it by up to 15 times compared to those without.^3,7,8 So think about autoantibody screening for your loved ones if you’re at all concerned about their chances of developing the condition.

Repeat screening may be recommended for children at higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes. This includes those with high blood glucose (sugar) or a family history of autoimmune conditions.⁶

Ask your healthcare team how long you should wait before being screened again and make a note in your calendar.

If the screening results show one type 1 diabetes‑related autoantibody, you or your child may be at higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes in the future.⁹

Your healthcare team may arrange another test to confirm the result.^6,9 Then they’ll take you through what happens next. This will include rescreening in due course and blood glucose monitoring, to keep an eye on any changes.⁹ This is especially important if you have a family history of type 1 diabetes, or have other risk factors (like a family history of other autoimmune conditions).⁶

1. Ask your healthcare team when your next screening will be and make a note in your calendar
2. Ask your healthcare team if you need to start blood glucose monitoring

Remember, if a close family member has type 1 diabetes, your risk can be up to 15 times higher compared to those without.^3,7,8 So think about autoantibody screening for your loved ones if you’re at all concerned about their chances of developing the condition.

If the screening results show two or more different type 1 diabetes‑related autoantibodies, you or your child have early-stage (Stage 1 or 2) type 1 diabetes.⁶

Your healthcare team will arrange another test to confirm the result. Then they’ll take you through what happens next.^6,9 This will include blood glucose checks to determine the specific stage of type 1 diabetes, and also to monitor the condition over time.⁹

It’s natural to find this result difficult to process and accept.^5,10-13 But please remember that you’re not alone. Your doctor will talk you through what it means. They will arrange follow-up tests, explain your options and give you all the support and information you need.

1. Add the date of the follow-up test(s) to your calendar
2. Ask your doctor for further information and support, if you need it
3. You can also explore this site to find out how blood glucose monitoring works and access resources for you and your family

In the early stages of type 1 diabetes (Stages 1 and 2), symptoms are not noticeable. But over time, as the body starts making less insulin, that’s when signs of high blood glucose can start to appear. ^14,15

Symptoms include¹⁴:

• A screening result showing no type 1 diabetes-related autoantibodies means you or your child are not showing any signs of having type 1 diabetes at this time
• A screening result showing one type 1 diabetes-related autoantibody suggests there may be a higher than usual risk of developing it in the future
• A screening result showing two or more type 1 diabetes-related autoantibodies suggests early-stage type 1 diabetes (Stage 1 or Stage 2)
• If you have any concerns about the screening results or what comes next, your healthcare team are here to help and support