Authors: Daniel Moore, Natasha Leibel, William Polonsky, Henry Rodriguez.
Plain language summary
What is this summary about? Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. This means that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the beta cells, the type of cell that makes the hormone insulin, in the pancreas. Insulin allows a person to use energy from food and controls blood sugar levels. Unless type 1 diabetes is found early and treated, it can cause serious symptoms and life-threatening complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is when acid builds up in the blood. DKA happens when there is not enough insulin in the body, and if not caught early, it can potentially cause coma and death. Type 1 diabetes can happen at any age, and currently, there is no cure. The reason why people get type 1 diabetes is not fully understood, but it seems to be partly due to genetics. The chance of getting type 1 diabetes is higher if another family member has it. However, most people diagnosed don’t have a family member with type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes progresses silently for months, years, or even decades before symptoms develop, such as increased thirst, frequent urination (going to the bathroom a lot), and unintended weight loss. Doctors and nurses can now screen and identify people who are at early stages of type 1 diabetes (without symptoms) with blood tests that measure diabetes-related autoantibodies. Early detection through screening allows people to 1) learn about the disease before symptoms start and before they need insulin to survive; 2) receive treatments that delay type 1 diabetes getting worse, if indicated; 3) take part in research trials, if desired; and 4) not be as ill when the need for insulin happens. By finding type 1 diabetes early, people can connect with the right care team and develop the skills needed to manage later stage type 1 diabetes when insulin needs to be given. Early detection can help people avoid hospital visits and prevent life-threatening conditions. Screening for type 1 diabetes will help people get the help they need to delay type 1 diabetes onset while preparing for diabetes care.