This is something I really want more people to know: type 1 diabetes can begin developing before someone feels sick or shows any signs.
The immune system’s attack on insulin-producing cells can start months or years before the symptoms people usually associate with diabetes start to show.
And blood tests can now look for signs of that process…
These tests check for autoantibodies. (That’s a complicated word for proteins made by the immune system that can act as clues that an autoimmune process is happening.)
An initial positive result needs follow-up. One autoantibody does not mean someone definitely has early-stage type 1. Confirmatory testing and additional assessments help determine what the results mean and what monitoring is needed.
But why does knowing earlier matter?!
It can give someone time to learn, connect with a care team, and monitor changes before they become an emergency.
Screening followed by monitoring can reduce the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA. DKA is a dangerous condition that can develop when the body doesn’t have enough insulin and produces a buildup of acids called ketones. Unfortunately, many type 1 diabetics like myself are diagnosed only after going into DKA.
For many families, a type 1 diagnosis comes with fear, confusion, and a huge amount of information all at once. Earlier detection can create an opportunity for preparation and support before symptoms develop.
There is also a medicine called teplizumab, or Tzield, that can actually DELAY progression from stage 2 T1D to stage 3 in eligible people.
Stage 2 means the autoimmune process is already happening and blood sugar is becoming abnormal, but symptoms haven’t developed.
Stage 3 is when blood sugar reaches the diagnostic range and insulin treatment is generally needed.
Tzield acts on the immune process. (It does not guarantee permanent prevention, and eligibility obviously requires evaluation by a healthcare team…)
But additional time before needing insulin can be EXTREMELY meaningful. It can mean more time to prepare, more time to learn, and more time before taking on the daily responsibilities of insulin treatment.
And screening isn’t only relevant to families who already know someone with type 1. Most people diagnosed have NO FAMILY HISTORY.
If this information is new to you, you’re probably not the only one. Breakthroughs like this are just starting to finally see the light. So share it, ask questions, and talk with your healthcare provider about T1D autoantibody screening and what options make sense for you or your family.
This is one of those areas where awareness can lead to a very practical and peace of mind next step!💙
SEE T1D.
#SeeT1D #DiabetesAwarenessMonth #Type1Diabetes #T1D #BreakthroughT1D
