How is type 1 diabetes different from type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks the cells that make insulin. It’s often diagnosed in children or teens, but there is growing awareness that adults can develop type 1 diabetes too — this is sometimes called adult-onset T1D. Symptoms usually appear suddenly, and all people with type 1 diabetes make little to no insulin, requiring insulin therapy for life. Type 2 diabetes is more common in adults and can be linked to a variety of factors including genetics and family history, cultural background, and behavioral factors. It is not an autoimmune disease. The body still makes insulin, often in high amounts, but doesn’t use it properly. Symptoms develop gradually, and it can often be managed with changes in diet and exercise, medications, and sometimes insulin.

Can I prevent type 1 diabetes in my child?

You cannot prevent type 1 diabetes in your child. At this time, there is no known way to prevent or cure type 1 diabetes, and its exact cause remains unclear. While type 1 diabetes currently cannot be prevented, research is working to develop treatments to prevent or delay the condition. Nothing a parent or child does causes it. It is no one’s fault. Lifestyle and behavior factors, such as diet or physical activity, do not influence the risk of developing type 1 diabetes. There are also currently no proven treatment methods that can prevent progression from early stage to clinical type 1 diabetes in 100% of people. However, there are some new medications that slow down the progression of type 1 diabetes.

What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is essential for maintaining steady blood sugar levels. Without insulin, blood sugar becomes dangerously high, which can lead to serious complications and be life-threatening if not treated. While there is currently no cure for type 1 diabetes, it can be managed with daily insulin therapy through injections or an insulin pump. Although managing type 1 diabetes can be challenging, people with type 1 diabetes who are diagnosed early and supported with proper care can live long, healthy lives. Early detection of risk of developing type 1 diabetes through screening helps identify type 1 diabetes before symptoms appear, giving families the chance to begin treatment earlier and reduce the risk of emergency complications.

What if my child has a first-degree relative (parent, sibling) with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes?

Babies or children who have a first‑degree relative with T1D (a parent or sibling) may have limited spots in each enrolment batch to help us maintain our focus on screening the general population. If you consent to the study, you will be informed if you are eligible and spots are available.

Is my child eligible for type 1 diabetes screening?

Babies up to six months of age born in Ontario, British Columbia or Quebec who completed newborn screening and have a dried blood sample available are eligible for the Genetic Risk Score pathway of the screening program. Children between 18 months and 11 years 9 months of age who live in any province or territory in Canada are eligible for the Autoantibody Testing pathway of the screening program. Babies and children who have a diagnosis of diabetes are not eligible for this screening program.

No one in my family has type 1 diabetes. Should my child still get screened?

Every child can be screened. 90% of children with type 1 diabetes have no family history, so even if no one in your family has type 1 diabetes, screening is still important. However, having a close relative with type 1 diabetes could mean your child is more likely to have an increased genetic risk of type 1 diabetes.

Why is this study important for my child? What are the benefits of screening for risk of type 1 diabetes?

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes can be subtle and are often misdiagnosed or misunderstood, which often delays proper management. This also increases the risk of complications, some of which can be life-threatening. Through CanCHECK-T1D, early diagnosis can reduce risk of complications, improve long-term outcomes, and even delay the onset of symptoms.

What is CanCHECK-T1D?

CanCHECK-T1D is a Canadian research initiative aiming to develop a national pilot screening program for risk of type 1 diabetes (T1D). We want to find type 1 diabetes in children before symptoms to improve health outcomes and prevent complications.

Is There Anything I Need In Order To Participate?

Since the Health Disparities and EDI/SGBA+ Committee will include people across Canada, access to a smart phone, computer and internet will be needed to participate in virtual meetings (such as on Zoom or Microsoft Teams).