Study Details Currently Enrolling

Pathway to Prevention screening is the first step for all TrialNet prevention studies. Screening is offered at no cost to eligible individuals to evaluate their personal risk of developing the disease. This unique screening can identify the early stages of type 1 diabetes (T1D) years before any symptoms appear. It also helps researchers learn more about how T1D develops and plan new studies exploring ways to prevent it. 

  • Relatives of people with T1D are 15 times more likely to develop the disease than the general population. 
  • Increased risk of developing T1D is linked to the presence of five diabetes-related autoantibodies, regardless if you have a relative or not.
  • The JDRF, ADA and Endocrine Society now classify having two or more of these autoantibodies as early stage T1D

Who Can Participate

You qualify for free risk screening if you: 

  • Are between the ages of 2 and 45 years and have a parent, brother/sister, or child with T1D 
  • Are between the ages of 2 and 20 years and have an aunt/uncle, cousin, grandparent, niece/nephew, or half-brother/sister with T1D 
  • Have not been diagnosed with diabetes

OR

  • Are between the ages of 2 and 45 years and have tested positive for at least one T1D related autoantibody outside of TrialNet (click here for more information)
  • Have not been diagnosed with diabetes

Please Note: Limited rescreening is available for those under age 18.

Screening Options

Screening is free, quick, convenient and super important. Only a small blood sample is needed. TrialNet screening is available by appointment at one of our many locations. We also offer two options for test kits that can be mailed directly to you: 

  • In-home Test Kit: This free kit provides everything you need to collect a finger-stick blood sample from the safety of your home. You can ship it back free using FedEx contactless at home pick up.
     
  • Lab Test Kit: You can take this free screening kit to any Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp lab for a blood draw. 

    For participants who need a test kit replaced at no cost, please email info@trialnet.org

Participant Experience

T1D risk screening will detect if you are in the early stages of T1D. Nearly all people that test positive for two or more diabetes-related autoantibodies will develop the disease.

Understanding Your Results

Circled minus sign

Negative: Lower Risk

No autoantibodies

No diabetes-related autoantibodies (AAB) detected.


What it means:

Individuals with no autoantibodies are considered to be at low risk for developing T1D. This does not guarantee you will never develop autoantibodies or T1D.


Next Steps:

Limited rescreening is available to those under age 18.

Illustration of one autoantibody

One AAB Positive: Lower risk

One autoantibody (AAB) detected


What it means:

Individuals who have one AAB are at higher risk for developing T1D in their lifetime than those with no autoantibodies.


Next Steps:

Get another blood test in one year to see if you have developed more than one autoantibody. We will let you know of any type 1 diabetes prevention trials that you might be eligible for.

Illustration of two autoantibodies

2+ AAB Positive: Early Stage T1D

Two or More AAB

Two or more autoantibodies (AAB) detected.


What it means:

Individuals who have two or more autoantibodies are already in early stage T1D. The immune system has started attacking insulin-making beta cells. The lifetime risk of developing clinical diagnosis (stage 3) approaches 100%.


Next Steps:

Come in for a study visit that will include an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT).  It will show if you have abnormal blood sugar levels and help us determine if you are eligible for a prevention study or further close monitoring for development of T1D.