On 13 August 2025, Finn Stensbjerg Kristensen joining an esteemed panel to discuss T1D at Arendalsuka in Norway, where he highlighted:
– We must bring early detection into the public healthcare offer.
– Without identifying risk in time, we limit what’s possible.
– Early detection of T1D is the gateway to new treatments that can delay or prevent the onset – and thereby reduce the burden of the disease.
Key takeaways from the panelists
Patient voices matter
Torild Skrivarhaug and Emma Nilsen Furland truly brought participants into the tough reality of children, young people and their families living with Type 1 Diabetes. Too many Norwegians still suffer DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis) at disease onset – more must be done to prevent this traumatic start of living with T1D.
Norway is preparing to act
Lars Krogvold, shared that Norway will adopt a similar protocol to DiaUnion’s in Denmark: inviting first-degree relatives aged 5–30 into a new screening study. However, approvals and funding are still needed – and method development is ongoing to ensure maximum public health impact.
Research is still in demand
Ingvild Eilertsen from Diabetesforbundet highlighted how far research has come since 1958 – and the hope it brings for a future without T1D. There is valuable research insight from the earliest stages of the disease – if we look for it. On another note, Ingvild also reminded us that many still don’t know the difference between T1D and T2D.
Nordic collaboration is key
Finn Kristensen emphasized the importance of working together across the Nordics – sharing data, protocols, and insights. The experience from Denmark and Sweden can support Norway’s next steps, and collaborations like the one with Oslo University Hospital make us stronger – regionally and globally.
DiaUnion is committed to making early detection a reality in the healthcare systems – to reduce the burden on both society and the individuals living with T1D. We’re thankful to see a growing community working to make it happen.
