Frequently asked questions
Hearing about type 1 diabetes or screening can feel overwhelming at first. We’re here to help make things clearer and easier for you. Here you’ll find answers to common questions about type 1 diabetes, early detection, and why knowing earlier can make a difference.
Screening is usually done with a small finger‑prick blood test or a simple blood draw. Some children are nervous beforehand, which is completely normal.I t may feel like a quick sting, but it is over in seconds and most children tolerate it well.
Many programmes focus on early childhood and school age, when autoantibodies most commonly first appear. Your local screening site can confirm age eligibility.
Repeated screening is done to improve detection, not because something is already wrong. It depends on your child’s age, family history, and the screening programme. Some children may only need to be screened once, while others may be offered repeated testing over time. Your local screening site can discuss these details with you.
If screening shows that your child has markers of early stage type 1 diabetes, it is completely natural to feel uncertain and wonder what is coming next and how this is going to affect you and your child's lives. You are not alone, there is a team ready to guide you through this. Your family will be:
- contacted by the screening team,
- guided through the results, and
- connected to a healthcare professional for follow up care.
Children in early stages do not need insulin yet. They might feel perfectly well, and their immediate health is not in danger. However, monitoring helps prevent life threatening emergencies like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and supports a smoother transition if symptoms eventually appear.
The cost depends on the programme in each European country. In many regions, screening is free or subsidised thanks to public health initiatives and research projects. Your local screening site will provide full details.
Screening is available in selected countries and regions worldwide, with more locations joining over time. You can check current screening sites on our Find locations near you page.
At the moment, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, as it is an autoimmune disease that is not caused by diet or lifestyle. However, early detection helps families avoid emergencies, start monitoring early, and prepare for care long before symptoms appear.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition influenced by a mix of genetics and environmental factors. Having type 1 diabetes does increase the chance, but most children of parents with T1D will not develop it. In families with a history of type 1 diabetes, only about 1 in 40 children may develop the condition. In families without T1D, the risk is less than 1 in 300. Screening helps clarify risk beyond family history alone.