How to Talk to Your Doctor About Screening for Type 1 Diabetes

Feeling unsure about screening for type 1 diabetes? It’s okay. If you’re at higher risk, talk to your doctor. Just ask about getting screened. It doesn’t have to be hard or scary. Knowing what to ask makes the conversation easier.

Who should get screened for type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes makes up only 5-10 percent of all diabetes cases in the United States. However, it often clusters in families.

Here are some key points to consider if you have type 1 diabetes and are wondering about your family’s risk:

• If you give birth before age 25, there’s a one in twenty-five chance your child will develop type 1 diabetes.
• If you give birth after age 25, the risk is one in 100, similar to the general population.
• If you are a man with type 1 diabetes, there’s a one in 17 chance your child will develop it.
• If both parents have type 1 diabetes, the risk for your child increases to one in 10.
• If you developed type 1 diabetes before age 11, your child’s risk is doubled.

Understanding the genetic and environmental triggers of type 1 diabetes

• The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but it’s believed to be a mix of genetics and environmental triggers.
• Studies show children exposed to enteroviruses are more likely to develop type 1 diabetes.
• Guidelines suggest people with a direct family connection (parent, sibling, or child) should get screened for blood autoantibodies to assess their risk.
• If you have any risk factors and want to be screened, ask your doctor about it.
• Most people with risk factors, don’t develop type 1 diabetes
  • But screening for type 1 diabetes is still important.

What a screening test shows

• Most people aren’t routinely screened for type 1 diabetes during regular check-ups.
• Classic symptoms like weight loss, thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue often lead to a diagnosis.
• If you’re at high risk for type 1 diabetes, it’s important to get screened before symptoms appear or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) develops.
• Blood tests can detect autoantibodies that indicate your immune system is attacking insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
• Having two or more autoantibodies means you’re at high risk for type 1 diabetes.

Ask your doctor about type 1 diabetes screening

Stay proactive about your health by discussing screening options with your doctor.

This can be a simple conversation that you may have to initiate, as not all doctors may know you and your family’s complete health history.

Bringing up getting screened

• Your doctor probably won’t bring up screening for type 1 diabetes, so you’ll need to.
• Ask your primary care doctor during your next visit, or contact them to request a blood test for type 1 diabetes autoantibodies.
• Your doctor must prescribe this test; you can’t request it directly from a lab.
• Insurance coverage varies.
• If you have symptoms like extreme thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue, seek emergency medical attention or call 911.
• Undiagnosed type 1 diabetes can be life-threatening.

Be open about your reasons for wanting a screening

• If your doctor doesn’t know your or your family’s health history, they might hesitate to order a type 1 diabetes autoantibodies test.
• Mention that you have a close family member with type 1 diabetes and want to understand your risk or your children’s risk.
• Remember, your doctor can only address your concerns if you share them.

Understanding what happens after a screening

Once you get your screening results, you might have no autoantibodies, one, or two. Don’t panic—knowledge is power. Here’s what you can do:

• Work with your doctor to identify symptoms and monitor your health. Early diagnosis can help avoid complications.
• Consider joining research studies like TrialNet or Autoimmunity Screening for Kids (ASK) to connect with experts and stay informed.
• Look into new medications that can delay type 1 diabetes by 2-5 years.

Advocate for yourself by getting screened. Early diagnosis can prevent DKA and may delay the condition.

Learn more about screening options and take control of your health.

This content was made possible by Provention Bio, a Sanofi Company.

Editorial control rests solely with Beyond Type 1.