A Guide to Autoimmune Type 1 Diabetes Screening Tests

An overview of the screening methods for autoimmune type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Learning Objectives

Recognize the available screening tests for autoimmune T1D and understand the advantages and limitations of each.

Screening for the presence of two or more islet antibodies can identify people with autoimmune T1D.

Currently, five assays are available to screen for autoantibodies. The current gold standard is the radio-binding assay.

Following screening, progression to autoimmune T1D depends on many factors, including age and time since screening.

MAT-GLB-2405113-1.0 - 08/2024

Screening for autoimmune T1D involves testing for autoantibodies that are markers of destruction of insulin-producing beta cells.

An overview of the stages of autoimmune type 1 diabetes, from the development of autoimmunity through to insulin dependence.

Type 1 diabetes is underpinned by autoimmune activity against insulin-producing beta cells, as explained in this video.