Description

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is no longer able to produce insulin—a hormone essential for regulating blood sugar levels.

T1D often presents in childhood or adolescence, but it can also develop in adults. Early symptoms can be subtle and may include:

  • Frequent urination
  • Increased thirst
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Blurred vision

Because symptoms can develop gradually, early screening and diagnosis are critical for preventing diabetic ketoacidosis (a potentially life-threatening complication) and initiating timely treatment.

Who Should Consider This Panel?

  • Individuals with a family history of type 1 diabetes
  • Children and adolescents with unexplained symptoms
  • People with other autoimmune conditions
  • Adults newly diagnosed with diabetes who are lean or have low insulin levels

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends early screening in at-risk individuals—even before symptoms appear—especially with the advancement of early therapeutic interventions.

Biomarkers Included in This Panel

Glucose Test

  • Measures current blood sugar level.
  • Used to detect hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, which may suggest diabetes or an underlying metabolic issue.

Diabetes Autoantibodies Panel

  • Detects autoantibodies that signal an immune attack on the pancreas.
  • These may appear years before symptoms develop, making them valuable for identifying risk in asymptomatic individuals.
  • Includes:
  • Islet Cell Cytoplasmic Autoantibodies (ICA)
  • Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Autoantibodies (GADA)
  • Insulin Autoantibodies (IAA)
  • Insulinoma-Associated-2 Autoantibodies (IA-2A)

Hemoglobin A1C

  • Reflects average blood sugar over 2–3 months.
  • Helps assess if high blood sugar levels have been present over time.
  • Useful for distinguishing between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in ambiguous cases.

Fasting Requirements

  • Fasting is required (8–12 hours) for accurate glucose measurement.
  • Water is allowed during the fasting period.

Why This Panel Matters

  • Enables early diagnosis and initiation of insulin therapy
  • Helps distinguish Type 1 from Type 2 diabetes
  • Offers critical information for individuals at genetic or autoimmune risk
  • Can identify pre-symptomatic individuals who may benefit from clinical monitoring or preventive trials