We are excited to inform our patients and their families that the FDA recently approved a new treatment that helps delay the onset of type 1 diabetes in at-risk individuals. The new treatment, called teplizumab, is a monoclonal antibody treatment that modulates the immune system to reduce the body’s attack on the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. By lessening this attack, teplizumab can help delay the onset of type 1 diabetes by several years. This delay can provide a precious window of time free from the daily management of type 1 diabetes, which can be invaluable for children and their families.
You may be wondering how we determine who may benefit from and be eligible for this treatment. Fortunately, we can evaluate you or your child with a simple blood test collected in our in-house lab! For patients with a family history of type 1 diabetes, or a personal/family history of other autoimmune disorders, a blood test can be done to screen for certain autoantibodies, which indicate whether someone is likely to develop type 1 diabetes in the near future. If you believe you or your child may be at increased risk, reach out to your doctor about getting the blood test done with your next blood draw! We are so excited to offer this important screening to our patients and families and hopefully help decrease the burden of type 1 diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early signs of type 1 diabetes in children?
Common symptoms can include increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and changes in behavior or mood. Symptoms can sometimes develop quickly, so contact your pediatrician if you notice concerning changes.
Can a child develop type 1 diabetes without a family history?
Yes. Children can develop type 1 diabetes even when no close family member has the condition. Family history can increase risk, but it is not required for type 1 diabetes to develop.
At what age can children develop type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes can develop at almost any age, including during childhood and adolescence. The timing varies considerably from one child to another.
Is type 1 diabetes the same as type 2 diabetes?
No. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes involves the body’s ability to effectively use insulin and has different risk factors and treatment considerations.
Can type 1 diabetes be prevented?
There is currently no guaranteed way to prevent type 1 diabetes. However, advances in screening and treatment may help identify certain people at increased risk before symptoms develop and, in some cases, delay the onset of clinical disease.
Frequently Asked Questions About Type 1 Diabetes in Children
What are the early signs of type 1 diabetes in children?
Common symptoms can include increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and changes in behavior or mood. Symptoms can sometimes develop quickly, so contact your pediatrician if you notice concerning changes.
Can a child develop type 1 diabetes without a family history?
Yes. Children can develop type 1 diabetes even when no close family member has the condition. Family history can increase risk, but it is not required for type 1 diabetes to develop.
At what age can children develop type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes can develop at almost any age, including during childhood and adolescence. The timing varies considerably from one child to another.
Is type 1 diabetes the same as type 2 diabetes?
No. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes involves the body's ability to effectively use insulin and has different risk factors and treatment considerations.
Can type 1 diabetes be prevented?
There is currently no guaranteed way to prevent type 1 diabetes. However, advances in screening and treatment may help identify certain people at increased risk before symptoms develop and, in some cases, delay the onset of clinical disease.
What are diabetes autoantibodies?
Autoantibodies are proteins produced by the immune system that can indicate an autoimmune response against insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Certain diabetes-related autoantibodies may appear before a person develops symptoms of type 1 diabetes.
Does having diabetes autoantibodies mean my child definitely has diabetes?
Not necessarily. The presence of certain autoantibodies can indicate an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes, but it does not automatically mean a child currently has diabetes. Your child's doctor can explain what test results mean and whether additional monitoring is recommended.
Who should consider type 1 diabetes screening?
Screening may be worth discussing with your pediatrician if your child has a family history of type 1 diabetes or certain autoimmune conditions. Your doctor can help determine whether testing is appropriate based on your child's individual risk factors.
What happens if my child's screening shows an increased risk?
Your child's healthcare team may recommend additional testing or ongoing monitoring. Depending on the results and your child's individual circumstances, you may also be referred to a specialist to discuss available options.
What is teplizumab?
Teplizumab is a medication that affects the immune response involved in type 1 diabetes. It is approved for certain people at high risk of progressing to clinical type 1 diabetes and may delay the onset of the disease.
Does teplizumab cure type 1 diabetes?
No. Teplizumab is not a cure for type 1 diabetes. For eligible patients, its purpose is to delay progression to the stage when clinical symptoms develop and daily insulin treatment becomes necessary.
Why can early detection of type 1 diabetes risk be helpful?
Knowing that a child is at increased risk can allow families and healthcare providers to monitor for changes more closely, recognize symptoms earlier, and discuss whether additional evaluation or treatment options may be appropriate.
