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Metabolic Memory Beta Cell Function The Importance of Screening Patient Explainer Resources

WHY EARLY DETECTION MATTERS

Type 1 diabetes continues to be commonly misdiagnosed, especially among adults, approximately 40% of whom experience an initial misdiagnosis.6,7,8

Poor disease management from misdiagnosis can lead to severe outcomes, including emergency hospitalization as a result of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In fact up to 62% of all patients that are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes without prior screening are suffering from DKA.9,10

An in-office or at-home blood test and monitoring of pre-symptomatic T1D patients can help reduce DKA rates at Stage 3 T1D onset by as much as 93.5%.17

An in-office or at-home blood test and monitoring of pre-symptomatic T1D patients can help reduce DKA rates at Stage 3 T1D onset by as much as 93.5%.17

-- Calculation: 62% DKA in those without screening - 4% DKA in those with screening = 58% difference. 58% difference / 62% DKA in those with screening = 93.5% reduction from screening.
DKA=diabetic ketoacidosis; T1D=type 1 diabetes.
Sims EK, et al. Diabetes. 2022;71(4):610-623.

Type 1 diabetes continues to be commonly misdiagnosed, especially among adults, approximately 40% of whom experience an initial misdiagnosis.6,7,8

Poor disease management from misdiagnosis can lead to severe outcomes, including emergency hospitalization as a result of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In fact up to 62% of all patients that are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes without prior screening are suffering from DKA.9,10

Screening can help identify type 1 diabetes before symptoms appear, which may help reduce the risk of DKA at diagnosis. Catching T1D early through screening and management11 can help the body "remember" healthier blood sugar patterns, something known as a favorable metabolic memory.13-16

Therefore, screening early can help make a difference in patients' lives, especially as our understanding of T1D expands and advancements are explored.

Click below to learn about some of the most recent insights into T1D.

Real voices, real T1D experience.

Watch our collection of stories that drive home the importance of T1D awareness and screening, from both professional and patient perspectives.

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How to explain it to your patients?

HCP resources

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There's a BETAWAY to Look at T1D

Looking for a deeper dive into the world of beta cells and their critical role in the patient journey? Check out betawayt1d.com to learn more

Patient resources

A Type 1 Diabetes doctor discussion guide

Doctor Discussion Guide

Autoantibodies. Stages. Potential risks and benefits. Let's face it: There's a lot to remember about type 1 diabetes and screening, and patients may have questions for their doctors. This discussion guide can help support a useful conversation.

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Screening Quick Start

There are a number of ways to get screened: at participating labs, at the office, or using an at home kit. This guide lays out how providers and patients can access screening.

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References
  1. Toren E, Burnette KS, Banerjee RR, Hunter CS, Tse HM. Partners in Crime: Beta-Cells and Autoimmune Responses Complicit in Type 1 Diabetes Pathogenesis. Frontiers in Immunology. 2021;12:756548. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.756548
  2. Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet. T1D Facts. www.trialnet.org. https://www.trialnet.org/t1d-facts
  3. Sørensen JS, Johannesen J, Pociot F, et al. Residual β-Cell Function 3–6 Years After Onset of Type 1 Diabetes Reduces Risk of Severe Hypoglycemia in Children and Adolescents. Diabetes Care. 2013;36(11):3454-3459. doi:https://doi.org/10.2337/dc13-0418
  4. Sims EK, Bundy BN, Stier K, et al. Teplizumab improves and stabilizes beta cell function in antibody-positive high-risk individuals. Science Translational Medicine. 2021;13(583):eabc8980. doi:https://doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.abc8980
  5. Kawasaki E. Anti-Islet Autoantibodies in Type 1 Diabetes. Berki T, Balogh P, eds. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023;24(12):10012-10012. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241210012
  6. When Type 1 Diabetes Strikes Older Adults. Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Published December 17, 2021. https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/when-type-1-diabetes-strikes-older-adults
  7. Sweet K. Type 1 diabetes vs. type 2 diabetes. Breakthrough T1D. Published January 6, 2023. https://www.breakthrought1d.org/news-and-updates/type-1-diabetes-vs-type-2-diabetes/
  8. The Lancet Regional Health – Europe. Misdiagnosis of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in adults. The Lancet Regional Health - Europe. 2023;29(100661). doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2023.100661
  9. Diabetes Leadership Council. Type 1 Diabetes Early Detection. Gettingaheadoftype1.org. Published 2025. https://www.gettingaheadoftype1.org/resources/providers
  10. Cleveland Clinic. Diabetes-Related Ketoacidosis (DKA). Cleveland Clinic. Published 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21945-diabetic-ketoacidosis-dka
  11. Beyond Type 1. Screening for Type 1 Diabetes. Beyond Type 1. https://beyondtype1.org/screening-for-type-1-diabetes/
  12. Wakefield Research. Pitch Guide. Unpublished market research report. Commissioned by Sanofi; April 2024.
  13. Testa R, Bonfigli AR, Prattichizzo F, La Sala L, De Nigris V, Ceriello A. The “Metabolic Memory” Theory and the Early Treatment of Hyperglycemia in Prevention of Diabetic Complications. Nutrients. 2017;9(5):437. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9050437
  14. Nathan DM. Realising the long-term promise of insulin therapy: the DCCT/EDIC study. Diabetologia. 2021;64(5):1049-1058. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-021-05397-4
  15. Aiello LP. Diabetic Retinopathy and Other Ocular Findings in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications Study. Diabetes Care. 2013;37(1):17-23. doi:https://doi.org/10.2337/dc13-2251
  16. Owens DR. Clinical Evidence for the Earlier Initiation of Insulin Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics. 2013;15(9):776-785. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/dia.2013.0081
  17. Sims EK, Besser REJ, Dayan C, et al. Screening for Type 1 Diabetes in the General Population: A Status Report and Perspective. Diabetes. 2022;71(4):610-623. doi:https://doi.org/10.2337/dbi20-0054
  18. Cameron FJ, Scratch SE, Nadebaum C, et al. Neurological Consequences of Diabetic Ketoacidosis at Initial Presentation of Type 1 Diabetes in a Prospective Cohort Study of Children. Diabetes Care. 2014;37(6):1554-1562. doi:https://doi.org/10.2337/dc13-1904
  19. Muñoz C, Floreen A, Garey C, et al. Misdiagnosis and Diabetic Ketoacidosis at Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes: Patient and Caregiver Perspectives. Clinical Diabetes : A Publication of the American Diabetes Association. 2019;37(3):276-281. doi:https://doi.org/10.2337/cd18-0088
  20. Duca LM, Reboussin BA, Pihoker C, et al. Diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and glycemic control over time: The SEARCH for diabetes in youth study. Pediatric Diabetes. 2018;20(2):172-179. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/pedi.12809
  21. Bonadio W. The Evaluation and Management of Pediatric Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Comprehensive Review. Clinical Pediatrics. 2022;62(6):000992282211399. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/00099228221139982
  22. Moffett MA, Buckingham JC, Baker CR, Hawthorne G, Leech NJ. Patients’ experience of admission to hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis and its psychological impact: an exploratory qualitative study. Practical Diabetes. 2013;30(5):203-207. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/pdi.1777
  23. Mayo Clinic Staff. Type 1 Diabetes. Mayo Clinic. Published March 27, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20353011
  24. Duca LM, Wang B, Rewers M, Rewers A. Diabetic Ketoacidosis at Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes Predicts Poor Long-term Glycemic Control. Diabetes Care. 2017;40(9):1249-1255. doi:https://doi.org/10.2337/dc17-0558
  25. Noguchi GM, Huising MO. Integrating the inputs that shape pancreatic islet hormone release. Nature Metabolism. 2019;1(12):1189-1201. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s42255-019-0148-2
  26. Latres E, Greenbaum CJ, Oyaski ML, et al. Evidence for C-peptide as a Validated Surrogate to Predict Clinical Benefits in Trials of Disease-Modifying Therapies for Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes. 2024;73(6):823-833. doi:https://doi.org/10.2337/dbi23-0012
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  28. Burrack AL, Martinov T, Fife BT. T Cell-Mediated Beta Cell Destruction: Autoimmunity and Alloimmunity in the Context of Type 1 Diabetes. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 2017;8:343. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2017.00343
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