Know Your Child’s Risk: Early Screening for Type 1 Diabetes
The Canadian Population Screening for Risk of Type 1 Diabetes (CanScreen T1D) is a research consortium working to understand how we can make risk screening for newborns and children a reality across Canada.
The risk of developing type 1 diabetes (T1D) can be detected months or even years before any symptoms appear. Most people who develop T1D do not have a family history of the condition. Because of this, we are asking our general population how they feel about being offered T1D risk screening and what it should look like. We are also studying what would be needed scientifically and practically to make this screening available to every family living in Canada.
Our team is meeting with community members and experts across the country to learn about their needs and priorities. Together, we are co‑designing a pilot T1D risk screening program for the general population. We are also creating decision‑making tools and educational materials to help families understand their options for screening, coming up with follow‑up strategies, facilitating participation in clinical trials, and much more.
Screening for a Better Tomorrow
T1D is a life-long disease without a cure. This condition requires daily management and monitoring, which can be tricky for children and adolescents. Moreover, about 85-90% of people who develop T1D do not have family members with the disease. The risk of T1D in the Canadian population remains largely unknown.
Currently, Canada does not have a national T1D risk screening program – so, our research team is looking to develop a pilot program to bridge this gap and build a healthier Canada.
What’s New
Thank You!
The CanScreen T1D research consortium is funded by Breakthrough T1D Canada (formerly JDRF Canada) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
