New Genetic Screening Tools Could Help Identify Babies at Risk for Type 1 Diabetes

Researchers at the University of Exeter and the Pacific Northwest Research Institute in Seattle have created a new genetic risk score called T1DGS that can more accurately predict type 1 diabetes risk in babies. This test analyzes key regions of the genome—the genetic instruction manual contained in our cells—to assess risk. The new tool was developed after researchers studied genetic variations from over 6,500 people with type 1 diabetes.

The T1DGS test may help identify babies at risk of developing diabetes later in life, and could also assist with diagnosing type 1 or type 2 diabetes when symptoms appear. By detecting risk earlier, doctors and families may have more opportunity to monitor children and prepare for potential diagnosis.

Research shows that combining a polygenic risk score (PRS)—which analyzes 149 different genetic variations—with specific HLA gene variants creates even more accurate risk predictions. In studies conducted in the Taiwanese population, this combined approach could effectively stratify individuals by their likelihood of developing type 1 diabetes.

When researchers combined the PRS with HLA DQA1*03:02-DQA1*05:01 genotypes, they found the test could predict both whether someone would develop type 1 diabetes and approximately when diagnosis might occur. The association was especially strong in children and adolescents. This personalized risk assessment approach could enhance newborn screening efficiency and help prevent serious acute complications.

In a large prospective study of 5,674 genetically at-risk children in Finland, researchers examined whether vitamin intake was associated with the development of islet autoimmunity (the first stage of type 1 diabetes development) and type 1 diabetes itself. During the 6-year follow-up, 247 children developed islet autoimmunity and 94 developed type 1 diabetes.

Children with higher dietary intake of vitamins A, C, and E showed lower risks of both islet autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes, even after accounting for total energy intake, sex, HLA genes, and family history. While these associations are noteworthy, the research suggests diet may be one factor among many that influence risk—not a preventive treatment. More research is needed to understand these relationships and whether dietary changes could reduce risk in at-risk children.

For children already diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, researchers have also developed tools to identify which young people face the highest risk of serious complications like severe low blood sugar, high blood sugar episodes, and diabetic ketoacidosis. A risk prediction model identified five key factors: whether a child uses continuous glucose monitoring, previous emergency department visits or hospitalizations, missed clinic appointments, involvement with child welfare services, and socioeconomic status.

This model could help healthcare teams identify children who need extra support and monitoring to prevent acute health crises. Early intervention for high-risk children might reduce hospitalizations and improve overall health outcomes.

Origin: YouTube / WXYZ-TV Detroit | Channel 7 (Video report). Evidence: Video report, corroborated with 3 indexed studies. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.