Every day, one more child in Denmark is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The good news is we experience a paradigm shift, where we can detect the disease before it breaks out. This means we can give individuals and families a gentler start to life with T1D, reduce the risk of complications, and pave the way for preventive treatments.
To tune in on this, the Alliance for Early Detection of T1D gathered politicians, researchers, patient associations, and people living with type 1 diabetes for a field visit at Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen (SDCC) on November 13th. The group also visited the facilities, where the DiaUnion participants are having their blood test taken, processed and followed up.
A sincere thank you to the politicians who joined us to learn more about what it means to live with type 1 diabetes, and why we are facing a true paradigm shift in early detection right now. Also, thank you to the speakers who helped us better understand the potential and value of early detection of T1D.
Tanja Thybo from the Danish Diabetes Association presented key data on the burden and everyday life with T1D. She emphasized that living with the disease remains demanding – even with modern treatment technologies.
Freja Hincheli from the Type1 – think tank for type 1 diabetes shared her strong story on what it’s really like to live with the disease, and the many emotions and challenges it comes with.
Sophie Hindkjær and Jakob Burlin, both living with T1D, spoke about their thoughts on having their children tested for the risk of developing the disease as well. For both, this choice to let their children participate in DiaUnion’s early detection program has brought a sense of clarity and control.
Flemming Pociot presented DiaUnion’s essential work with early detection, which makes it possible to identify T1D years before it breaks out. The research activities also provide important knowledge about the patient journey and pave the way for more targeted treatments.
The visit confirmed that we are truly experiencing a paradigm shift in type 1 diabetes, one that can open the door to better and more personalized treatments in the years to come.
Alliancen for T1Dlig Opsporing will continue to highlight the value of early detection – for individuals, families and for society as a whole – including at a conference in the spring 2026 at the Danish Parliament, Christiansborg.
