On 13 April 2026 the conference at the Danish Parliament, “A step ahead of type 1 diabetes – from experience to political action”, marked an important milestone.
With strong engagement from patients, clinicians, researchers and policymakers, the discussion reflected both growing momentum and real commitment to act. Personal stories and heartfelt interviews reminded us what is at stake for children and families – and why earlier action matters.
Early detection of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is no longer just a research ambition. It is a real opportunity to prevent severe disease onset and give children and families more healthy years.
Now the question is: how do we make it part of healthcare?
At the conference, DiaUnion and the Alliance for Early Detection of T1D presented a new Green Paper with five concrete recommendations:
- Establish a national, risk-based early detection offer for children
- Establish a temporary catch-up detection programme for young people and adults at increased risk
- Develop national clinical guidelines for early detection, follow-up and treatment of early stages of T1D
- Strengthen counselling and support for families with early stages of T1D
- Initiate a national information and awareness effort on early detection of T1D
In the political panel there was clear recognition that early detection is prevention – and that several elements can already be initiated at both regional and national levels.
We already have the knowledge to act, and the new regional health councils can play a role. One suggestion was to include T1D as budgets for 2027 are now being prepared.
As Finn Stensbjerg Kristensen concluded: “Four down – one to go.”
He acknowledged the broad support to move forward with recommendations 2–5 immediately, while continuing the dialogue on how to establish the best national framework and funding for the first recommendation.
As highlighted by MEP Niels Flemming Hansen, this is not only common sense – it is also good health policy. Across Europe, countries are already moving forward with programmes for early detection of T1D. The question now is whether Denmark will follow.
For DiaUnion, the next step is clear: We must lift early detection from a successful research collaboration into a national public health offer.
We look forward to continuing the dialogue – and to turning knowledge into action with the alliance members: Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Diabetesforeningen, Sanofi, Medicon Valley Alliance
