Table 1 Pros and cons of screening for type 1 diabetes
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Possible prevention of DKA at onset of diabetes | Potential increased anxiety in parents/carers |
Opportunity for time to adjust to diagnosis | High numbers of individuals genetically at risk, but who don’t develop T1D |
Genetic testing for high-risk genes/genetic risk scores possible at birth for use in combination with autoantibodies | If using IAb alone: - Likely need testing more than once - Will miss those diagnosed before screening and those who seroconvert after screening |
IAb detectable with fingerprick test, easy to administer, sensitive and specific | Treatment of early hyperglycaemia can be challenging |
May be intervention studies to delay development or prevent T1D | Cost/effectveness still a matter of debate |
New drug (teplizumab) available to delay the onset of T1D in high-risk individuals | No drug licensed to definitively prevent diabetes |