Why Early Detection Matters
- T1D can be detected before symptoms appear—giving families time to prepare and learn about the treatment options for type 1 diabetes and healthcare teams time to monitor before symptoms appear and are out of control.
- Early detection can help prevent a diagnosis during a medical emergency such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and prevent the trauma of hospitalization. In addition, young children who do not experience DKA, over time have better health outcomes.
- Identifying children in the early stages of diabetes (before a diagnosis is made) can also make them eligible for immunotherapy which can allow for the delay of the onset of the disease 24-36 months.
- Knowing early means knowing what to watch for and when to act.
- Early detection gives children and families a safer path to diagnosis and care.