Screening has two steps:
1. Genetic Risk Score (GRS) Screening
A sample from your child is tested to check their genetic risk of type 1 diabetes. If they are in the top 10% of risk, they will be invited for the next step. However, being at an increased genetic risk does NOT mean your child will develop type 1 diabetes. Among children with an increased genetic risk result in this study, we expect that about 97% will not be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
2. Autoantibody (Ab) Testing
This is a blood test starting at 12 months of age. It checks for autoantibodies. Autoantibodies are immune markers of type 1 diabetes (signs of the risk of developing T1D) that can appear years before symptoms.
What is a Genetic Risk Score? How is the Genetic Risk Score determined?
A genetic risk score (GRS) is a test that adds up many small differences in a person’s genes. These small differences can work together to increase the chance of developing a health condition, like type 1 diabetes. This GRS looks at over 100 genes linked to type 1 diabetes. The score shows if your child’s chance of developing type 1 diabetes is the same or increased compared to most people.
What sample from my child is being used in the Genetic Risk Score?
All babies in Canada have a small blood sample taken from their heel shortly after birth. This is called newborn screening, and it checks for a range of health conditions early in life. For the genetic risk score (GRS), no extra blood is taken. We use a tiny portion of the same dried blood spot that was already collected on your baby’s newborn screening card. This means the GRS does not involve another needle or blood draw for your child. We will only add the type 1 diabetes screening test to your child’s regular newborn screening test if you actively choose this option and consent to the study