New report outlines importance of early detection screening for type 1 diabetes

Early detection is one of the most powerful tools there is to change the story of type 1 diabetes, a charity has warned.

A new report, published by Breakthrough T1D, explains why spotting type 1 diabetes in its earliest stages is so important.

It shows how early detection can save lives, reduce trauma and give people a better chance of living well with the condition.

In addition, it sets out what needs to happen next, including raising awareness, making screening for early detection more widely available and ensuring people can access new treatments.

The white paper will include the case for a UK-wide screening programme, evidence from international programmes in Italy, Australia and the US, real-life stories from people impacted by late diagnosis, recommendations for the NHS, the role of disease-modifying drugs and opportunities for screening in early childhood and beyond.

In the UK, many people are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes only after experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

By identifying people at risk before symptoms appear, we can reduce trauma, improve long-term health and ease the emotional burden on families.

With new treatments emerging that can delay the onset of symptoms, early detection offers a chance to change the course of the condition and give people more time before they need to manage it daily.

Treatments like teplizumab are on the horizon – a breakthrough that could change everything. Teplizumab, which Breakthrough T1D helped to fund, is currently under review by NICE. If approved, it could delay the onset of type 1 diabetes symptoms by up to three years. 

Karen Addington, CEO of Breakthrough T1D UK, said: “For some, it is a child who becomes suddenly and dangerously unwell. For others, it is a young adult, a parent, or even a grandparent whose symptoms are missed until they reach crisis point. A rushed trip to hospital. A diagnosis that changes everything. It does not have to be like this.

“I hear so many dreadful stories of the panic and crisis that people feel when they are diagnosed late. I’ve spoken to parents who are still haunted by the moment their child was rushed into intensive care, and who carry the guilt of not recognising the signs sooner – even though they couldn’t have known. I’ve met families who were told their child had a virus, only to find themselves hours later facing a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and the terrifying reality of DKA. Tragically, we also know that not all children survive DKA.”

She added: “Thanks to research that our supporters have helped us to fund, we now have ways to detect type 1 diabetes before symptoms appear. That means we can give people a safer start to life with the condition. It means fewer children ending up in intensive care. It means more time to prepare, to plan, and to begin life with type 1 diabetes from a place of knowledge.

“At Breakthrough T1D, we believe early detection is one of the most powerful tools we have to change the story of type 1 diabetes. That is why today we are publishing a white paper that sets out the case for a national screening programme and why the time to act is now.”

She concluded: “At Breakthrough T1D, we are determined to make this a reality. We are working with researchers, clinicians, policymakers and families to push for change. Because early detection is not just a kindness, it is a lifeline.

“It is a smart, cost-effective investment in public health and a chance to rewrite the story of type 1 diabetes for the next generation.”

For more information and to access the new white paper, click here.