Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that can develop at any age. Early symptoms can resemble common illnesses, leading to delayed diagnosis and life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Screening for T1D autoantibodies can identify individuals at high risk before symptoms appear, helping prevent DKA and supporting earlier intervention.

Because 85 percent of T1D cases occur in people with no family history, general population screening—not just screening among relatives—is essential. It enables early education, preparation, and access to emerging therapies that may delay disease onset. Despite these benefits, no national policy currently supports broad T1D screening. Establishing such guidelines would allow for earlier detection and improved outcomes on a larger scale.

To align the T1D community with a shared goal, SPARC partnered with the Leona M. and Harry D. Helmsley Charitable Trust to develop an implementation road map that balances short- and long-term impact.