FAQs about the early detection of T1D

When we talk about early detection, we mean finding type 1 diabetes in a person before symptoms appear. This can be done by carrying out a simple blood test to look for markers in the blood called autoantibodies, which signify T1D has started to develop.

A simple blood test that can be taken at home checks for multiple T1D related autoantibodies. Detecting two or more shows the immune system has started to attack the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, even though symptoms may not be present.

Autoantibodies are proteins the immune system makes when it mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Advances in research have shown they are the earliest sign that T1D is developing.

T1D is an autoimmune condition, meaning it is caused by the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacking and destroying the insulin producing cells within the pancreas, leaving the body unable to make its own insulin. This process occurs in stages and can begin well before symptoms emerge.

• Stage 1: Two or more autoantibodies are present. Blood sugar levels are normal. No symptoms.
• Stage 2: Two or more autoantibodies are present. Blood sugar levels are abnormal. No symptoms.
• Stage 3: Two or more autoantibodies are present. Blood sugar levels are elevated. Symptoms typically appear.

Learn more about the stages of T1D

Early detection cannot prevent T1D. However, it can reduce the chance of being diagnosed during diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening complication of T1D.

Early detection is also opening doors to new research and emerging treatment options that may delay progression such as teplizumab.

Early detection can give people and families time to understand what T1D is, learn how it is managed, and prepare for insulin therapy before symptoms develop. This preparation can make the transition to needing insulin therapy less overwhelming.

In the UK, the immunotherapy drug teplizumab has been licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Early identification of T1D provides an opportunity to administer the drug, which can delay the need to take insulin by up to three years.

Early detection also allows people to take part in research that could delay the onset of insulin therapy.

Here in the UK, anyone over the age of two years old can be screened for T1D through a clinical study.

Yes. T1D can develop at any age. Early detection can help adults avoid DKA, receive close monitoring, and join research studies.

Anyone over two years old can take part in screening through a study.

The ELSA study focuses on children and young people, while the T1DRA study focuses on adults.

Each study has its own eligibility criteria, but involves simple registration followed by a quick blood test, which you can take at home.

1 in 20 people with a first-degree relative with type 1 diabetes will also develop the condition. However, it’s important to remember that 85% of people who are diagnosed have no family members with the condition.

If type 1 diabetes (T1D) is detected early, people may be offered monitoring, education and opportunities to take part in research studies.

Some emerging treatments aim to delay progression to stage 3 T1D, when insulin therapy becomes necessary. One example is Teplizumab, an immunotherapy designed to slow the immune attack on insulin-producing cells.

If you are found to be in the early stages of T1D, you’ll be offered support and education This includes information about what the results mean, how to monitor your health, and the treatment options available to you at this stage, helping you and your family prepare and make informed decisions about next steps.

Yes. Autoantibodies can sometimes appear later, even if an earlier test was negative. Research is ongoing to determine the best timing and frequency for retesting, so that people at risk can be monitored effectively.

You won’t automatically need to take insulin if you’re found to be in the early stages of T1D. Insulin will only be needed when you reach stage 3 of T1D, when symptoms begin to appear.

The main warning signs are known as the 4 Ts:

• Toilet (increased urination)
• Thirsty (excessive thirst)
• Tired (unusual fatigue)
• Thinner (unexplained weight loss).

While we want to catch people before they are symptomatic it’s still essential that everyone knows the signs and symptoms of T1D. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Here at Breakthrough T1D we’re helping to make early detection more accessible and effective. We fund research to understand T1D in its earliest stages, expand access to screening and monitoring, and support studies exploring treatments that may delay progression to stage 3.

Our policy team also works with MPs, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders to make sure that the T1D community’s voice and needs are represented and taken into account when planning future services.