Did you know that type 1 diabetes is the most prevalent metabolic disease in childhood and adolescence? In Germany, approximately 1 in 250 children and adolescents are affected, and nearly 90 percent of them have no close relatives with type 1 diabetes. This means that the disease can affect any child.

The challenge with type 1 diabetes lies in its often late recognition, typically when severe and potentially life-threatening symptoms have already manifested. Here, the Fr1da study intervenes, offering families throughout Bavaria the opportunity to screen their children aged 2 to 10 years for an early stage of type 1 diabetes. Through a simple blood test, the disease can be identified and addressed at an early stage.

The Fr1da screening for an early stage of type 1 diabetes can be included as part of a routine preventive check-up (U7 to U11) or during any regular visit to a pediatrician between the ages of 2 and 10. Pediatricians will obtain a small blood sample from your child through a simple finger prick. This collected blood will be sent to the Institute for Diabetes Research at Helmholtz Munich for the analysis of islet antibodies. These antibodies serve as indicators of inflammation in the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas and can be detected in the blood years before insulin deficiency and an increase in blood sugar levels manifest.
Conducting a finger prick for blood collection is generally safe for your child, and any minor issues such as a small bruise or swelling are typically not a cause for concern. It's worth noting that although there is a slight risk of infection, this risk is extremely low.

Take part in the Fr1da screening free of charge at your pediatrician!

Each child has the opportunity to participate in the Fr1da screening twice, provided they haven't been previously diagnosed with an early stage of type 1 diabetes. There should be a minimum of 12 months between each examination, allowing a child, for instance, to take part in the study at U7 and then again at U11.

Here you can find further information about the Fr1da study.