PRESYMPTOMATIC
Stage 1 (normoglycemia)
The autoimmune attack on insulin-producing beta cells has begun, but blood sugar remains normal, and no symptoms are present.
Stage 2 (dysglycemia)
More beta cells are lost, and blood sugar levels begin to rise, yet symptoms are still absent.
SYMPTOMATIC
Stage 3 (normoglycemia)
The disease reaches its clinical diagnosis stage, often presenting as sudden, severe illness due to dangerously high blood sugar levels.
Once a patient enters Stage 1 or 2, the risk of progressing to Stage 3 is nearly 100%.
Currently, up to 62% of individuals with new-onset T1D are diagnosed in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a condition that occurs when the body doesn’t have enough insulin to allow blood sugar into cells for energy use. Instead, the liver breaks down fat for fuel, which produces acids called ketones.
DKA can lead to severe complications, including:
Up to 62% of individuals with new-onset T1D are diagnosed in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
Autoantibody screening can reduce the incidence of DKA at diagnosis by 50% and provide families with the knowledge and tools they need to manage the disease proactively.
Early detection also plays a critical role in preserving beta cell function. Even low levels of remaining beta cells can:
Clinical guidelines issued by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommend T1D-related autoantibody testing in:
Clinical guidelines issued by the ADA recommend testing for four islet AAbs in those considered at risk.
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Disclaimer: All labs are provided for background informational purposes, but it is the responsibility of the clinician to use the appropriate codes.
There are several options available for T1D autoantibody testing, and the cost of testing for the majority of patients is nominal.
