Early Detection of Type 1 Diabetes Can Help
Reduce the Risk of Life-Threatening Complications at Diagnosis and
Allow Time to Access Therapy that Can
Delay the Onset of the Disease
NEW
YORK, Aug. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today,
Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes
(T1D) research and advocacy organization, launched a national
campaign "Detect so you can decide" to increase awareness and
encourage early detection of T1D. Nearly 1.45 million Americans and
8.7 million people worldwide live with T1D, an autoimmune disease
that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at
all, and these numbers are increasing every year. Early detection
of T1D before symptoms appear and insulin is required can help
reduce the risk of life-threatening complications at diagnosis and
allow people time to access therapies, participate in crucial T1D
clinical trials, and prepare for future medical needs.
Screening for T1D is simple and easy, requiring a blood test to
check whether a person has one or more of four islet
autoantibodies, which signal that the immune system has been
activated. Research shows that most people who test positive for
two or more autoantibodies persistently will eventually develop
T1D. This knowledge can help people make important decisions about
their health and potentially change the course of the disease.
"A type 1 diabetes diagnosis is life-changing and can be
overwhelming for those who face it, but early detection of T1D can
help individuals and their families prepare and plan," said
Anastasia Albanese-O'Neill, PhD,
APRN, AVP of community screening and clinical trial education at
Breakthrough T1D. "The benefits of T1D early detection are
significant and could lead to a delay in the onset of the disease
through approved therapies and accelerate research through clinical
trials. We also know that through screening and monitoring, we can
reduce the number of people with T1D who experience diabetic
ketoacidosis at diagnosis from up to 50% to 5%," she said. "While
those with a family history of T1D are 15 times more likely to
develop it, 85% of people with T1D have no family history. T1D
early detection is important, and through this campaign, we want
people to know their options and the steps they can take to screen
for T1D."
Beth and Chris Aiuto's son was
diagnosed with T1D in 2018. The couple is now planning to pursue
T1D screening for their nuclear family, including their 6-year-old
daughter. "When our son, Christopher, was diagnosed with type 1
diabetes at three years old, it came as a shock to our family. We
had no known family history of T1D and didn't understand that it
was a disease that could impact our son or anyone at any age. We
later learned of a cousin who developed type 1 diabetes in her
60s," the Aiutos said. "After engaging with Breakthrough T1D and
learning about early detection, we knew that screening for T1D was
the right thing for our family. We were fortunate that Christopher
wasn't diagnosed in diabetic ketoacidosis, and this is why it's so
important to us to share the value of early detection."
To encourage more people to screen for T1D, the "Detect so you
can decide" campaign will have a strong digital presence on social
media and the Breakthrough T1D website. It will include personal
stories of individuals and families who have made the decision to
screen for T1D and comprehensive information about T1D early
detection and how to talk to your doctor. In partnership with local
clinics around the country, Breakthrough T1D is also expanding
early detection opportunities, especially for family members of
people with T1D.
"Early detection of type 1 diabetes is a key priority for
Breakthrough T1D as we drive toward cures. Current clinical
guidelines recommend that those with a family history talk to their
doctor about early detection, and our campaign will encourage those
at greater risk to consider screening," said Sanjoy Dutta, PhD, chief scientific officer at
Breakthrough T1D. "Given that many people have no family history,
we also see a future where all people can be screened and
understand their risk of developing T1D and options for care. We
envision this can also increase T1D clinical trial participation
and accelerate critical research that will get us to cures faster.
That's why we're providing resources that help people start a
conversation with their doctors about the benefits of screening and
their options."
Previously, the lack of expert consensus around how to monitor
those who test positive for autoantibodies was a gap in early
detection. In June 2024, new
consensus guidance, developed under the leadership of
Breakthrough T1D in partnership with more than 60 global experts,
was released during the American Diabetes Association's Annual
Scientific Sessions. The new guidance will help physicians care for
those who test positive for autoantibodies, monitor for disease
progression, and guide patients with respect to appropriate
therapies, clinical trials, and other resources.
To learn more about the "Detect so you can decide" campaign,
visit: https://www.breakthrought1d.org/early-detection/
About Breakthrough T1D, Formerly JDRF
As the
leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization,
Breakthrough T1D helps make everyday life with type 1 diabetes
better while driving toward cures. We do this by
investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress
by working with government to address issues that impact the T1D
community, and helping educate and empower individuals facing this
condition.
About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make
very little insulin or none at all. This leads to dependence on
insulin therapy and the risk of short and long-term complications,
which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the
kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death. Globally, it
impacts nearly 9 million people. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed
in childhood and adolescence, but diagnosis in adulthood is common
and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset of T1D
has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not
yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic
factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently
no cure for T1D.
Contact:
Casey
Fielder
509-651-0087
media@BreakthroughT1D.org
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SOURCE JDRF International