As we have heard in the news, the number of diabetics worldwide, type 1 included, is rising at a dangerous rate – the annual rate of growth for type 1 diabetes in the U.S. is about 3 percent.
With no real cure on the horizon, this becomes an ever-growing problem. Some researchers, however, are looking for ways to diagnose the disease at an extra-early stage so to prevent future complications. Today, the Wall Street Journal shared a story about Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet’s detection efforts that can identify people at risk for type 1.
This early detection can help to avoid life threatening problems such as a critical insulin deficiency or trips to the emergency room.
Not many get the chance to know their condition at such an early stage, but a network of 18 research centers conducting clinical trials, called Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet, will soon be offering a nationwide free screening program that will offer many people precisely that opportunity. People who have family members with type 1 are especially encouraged to take advantage of the offer, as they are 15 times more likely to develop the condition than the general population
“There is a real advantage to finding out your risk status,” explains Judith Fradkin, director of the division of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases that is providing funding for TrialNet. “There is evidence that people who get screened and find out they are at high risk are less likely to present [at the emergency room] with a severe crisis that is out of control and can be fatal.”
The article offers more detailed medical insight into how these tests work and how they diagnose diabetes at such an early stage, but the benefits of taking them are very clear as we continue battling this chronic disease every step of the way.
Stoyan
