What does the test result "Early stage of type 1 diabetes" mean?

In the Fr1da screening process, we analyze the presence of islet autoantibodies in your child's blood (find more details about the Fr1da screening here). The detection of 2 or more of these autoantibodies indicates an autoimmune response targeting the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This indicates that your child is likely to develope type 1 diabetes, requiring insulin treatment in the coming months or years.

Receiving the diagnosis of an early stage of type 1 diabetes does not immediately necessitate the initiation of insulin treatment. Typically, during the early stage, blood glucose levels remain within the normal range. The relevance of insulin treatment arises when your child begins to exhibit symptoms of type 1 diabetes.

Recognizing signs of insulin deficiency

While your child's blood glucose levels remain within the normal range, they won't show any signs of illness. Hence, their everyday life should continue unchanged, encompassing diet, daily routine, physical activity, and all other aspects important to you and your family.
However, it's important for you to be aware of potential symptoms that may develop in the future. Recognizing these signs will allow you to promptly consult a doctor if they arise.

The most important signs of insulin deficiency are:

The Fr1da education and prevention program

If your child has received a diagnosis of an early stage of type 1 diabetes through the Fr1da screening, we invite you to participate in the Fr1da education and prevention program to provide the best possible support. We will reach out to you and your pediatrician to discuss the next steps in detail. A personalized follow-up visit schedule for your child will be provided to monitor their metabolism and determine the optimal timing for initiating insulin treatment. Additionally, we will connect you with one of our 18 diabetes centers in Bavaria, where you will receive comprehensive advice, education, and training. It is anticipated that within ten years, approximately 75 percent of children who were diagnosed with an early stage of type 1 diabetes will require insulin treatment.

Here you can find further information about the Fr1da study.