Screening programmes for type 1 diabetes

What do the screening tests do?

Autoantibody testing

Blood tests can detect whether T1D is already developing. As the immune system begins attacking insulin-producing cells, it leaves measurable markers in the blood. These markers, called autoantibodies, allow doctors to identify T1D in its earliest stages, often before symptoms appear.

Genetic risk factor testing

You inherit 50% of your DNA from your mum and 50% from your dad. Which genes you inherit from each parent cannot be predicted. This is why some people will have their mum’s eyes or their dad’s nose – it is all down to genetics.

Genetics play an important role in the development of T1D. Certain genetic factors can be passed down from one, or both, parents, which can make it more likely that someone will develop the condition.

Having a parent with T1D may increase a child’s chance of developing it, but genetics alone do not determine who will be affected. Many people who inherit these genetic factors never go on to develop T1D, and people with no family history can also develop T1D.

There are different ways to test someone’s genetic risk factor. Breakthrough T1D is currently funding research regarding risk factor testing. Professor Richard Oram has previously developed a T1D calculator which can be used by clinicians. This uses genetics to help assess who is at the highest risk of getting T1D and can be used in tandem with autoantibody screening programmes. This work was funded by Breakthrough T1D.

There is also commercially available testing available. These testing kits can be purchased from companies such as Randox Health and completed at home.

The different early stage T1D screening programmes

There are currently UK-wide research studies offering screening for early stage T1D based on age.  

At present, there is no national routine screening programme for T1D outside of these research studies. However, the ELSA and T1DRA studies provide opportunities for children, young people and adults to be screened. 

The ELSA Study (children and young people) 

The ELSA study is available across the UK for children and young people aged two to 17 years. It involves a simple blood test to check for T1D-related autoantibodies. 

If autoantibodies are identified, families are invited back for further testing and supported discussions with specialist healthcare teams. This may include learning more about T1D risk, monitoring, and opportunities to take part in treatments or clinical trials aimed at delaying the onset of T1D. 

ELSA is proudly funded by Breakthrough T1D and has already screened over 20,000 children since 2022.  

The T1DRA Study (adults) 

The T1DRA study offers screening for adults aged 18 to 70 years across the UK. It follows a similar approach, identifying T1D autoantibodies and supporting participants with information about what the results mean. It has screened almost 14,000 people and is funded until May 2026.

Why are the screening tests important?

Screening tests can identify T1D early, often before symptoms appear. Without screening, many people are diagnosed only after becoming seriously unwell, sometimes with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA occurs when blood glucose levels rise so high that the blood becomes acidic, and it can be life-threatening. Early detection can significantly reduce the likelihood of DKA at diagnosis, particularly in children, who are more vulnerable to this complication.

Screening also creates opportunities for earlier intervention. For people identified in the early stages of T1D, disease-modifying treatments may help slow the progression of the condition. This can delay the need for insulin and provide additional time to prepare and plan for living with T1D.

This page has been developed by Breakthrough T1D with funding from Sanofi UK and Abbott Diabetes Care who have had no editorial input or control over the contents.