Today, we’re at Children’s Hospital with our oldest son, completing a three-hour glucose test. It’s one of those routine but emotional reminders of why Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) awareness and early detection matter so much to our family.
When our youngest was diagnosed with T1D, it changed everything. In response, our entire family enrolled in TrialNet, a screening program that tests for early indicators of Type 1 Diabetes. The results gave us some peace of mind—my husband and I tested negative—but it also gave us important knowledge: our oldest son had one positive autoantibody. Because of that, he’s now enrolled in TrialNet’s monitoring study, and we check in regularly to make sure no additional markers appear.
Why Screening Matters
Screening for T1D can catch the disease before symptoms even begin. That means:
- Early diagnosis, which greatly reduces the risk of serious complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
- Access to clinical trials and research studies
- The option of medications, like TZield, that can delay the onset of T1D
For families like ours, this kind of information is powerful. It gives us a way to stay ahead, make informed decisions, and support our kids with the best tools available.
Get Your Family Screened
If you have a child or family member living with Type 1 Diabetes, we strongly encourage you to explore screening for other immediate relatives. It’s simple, free for most, and could make a world of difference.
Learn more or sign up for screening at:
👉 https://www.trialnet.org
