New 2025 guidelines from the American Diabetes Association emphasize the importance of early detection, highlighting that first-degree relatives of individuals with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) should be screened for autoantibodies. Specifically, the guidelines state:
“Relatives of youth with T1D should be offered testing for islet autoantibodies through research studies and national programs for early diagnosis of preclinical T1D.”
This aligns directly with what we at DiaUnion are committed to achieving. In Denmark, DiaUnion is piloting the screening of first-degree relatives, while in Sweden, we are expanding efforts to include screening of the general population. Together, our goal is to screen 45,000 individuals over the next two years, paving the way for earlier detection and intervention.
This landmark moment coincides with a critical European Alliance initiative. In December DiaUnion was represented by Finn Kristensen at a meeting at the European Parliament in Brussels: “Type 1 Diabetes can be fast, but we can be faster: A Call to Boost Early Detection”. It is organized by the European Diabetes Forum and EDENT1FI and underlined the urgency of collective action to accelerate early detection efforts across Europe.
Danish MEP and VP of the European Parliament Christel Schaldemose was on the program as part of the institutional greetings, alongside representatives from the EU Committees AFCO, IMCO and ENVI.
Early detection saves lives and transforms outcomes. With initiatives like these, we are building a future where T1D is identified earlier, managed better, and feared less.
