Could You or Someone You Know Be at Risk for Type 1 Diabetes?
By Joseph Bell
T1Detect is JDRF’s new universal type 1 diabetes screening initiative. The screening test will be completed at home and available to people in the United States.
JDRF recently launched T1Detect, a “groundbreaking screening initiative” giving people in the US the chance to get tested at home for their risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Even if you do not have a family history of type 1 diabetes, you will be able to purchase JDRF’s at-home screening kit for $55. JDRF will also make the test available for a subsidized price of $10 for people experiencing financial hardship (no proof or documentation is required).
The at-home screening is done in a similar way to fingerstick blood glucose tests. However, instead of measuring only your blood sugar level, this test also looks for specific biological markers that indicate risk of developing type 1 diabetes. After taking a small blood sample, you mail the kit back to JDRF and you should get your results back quickly.
Getting screened and discovering diabetes early on is an effective way to reduce your risk of experiencing dangerous health complications, particularly diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) which is common in people with undiagnosed diabetes. Because DKA events are associated with long-term effects, such as higher A1C levels and cognitive problems, screening is an important way to protect people who may be at risk for diabetes.
If you test positive for the markers associated with risk of type 1 diabetes, JDRF will provide an assortment of educational resources to support your your health and wellbeing. In addition, you can learn if you are eligible to participate in clinical trials investigating treatments which may delay or prevent the onset of type 1. While T1Detect is only available in the US currently, the program will be expanded internationally in the near future. See the T1Detect website to order a screening test.
