Early diagnosis and prevention of diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is diagnosed when the majority of beta cells have been destroyed. Diagnosis of diabetes is preceded by a ?silent? phase, which could last for several years. In many cases, early markers may be found in blood. It is possible to identify relatives at risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Only a minority of relatives of type 1 diabetic patients presents an increased risk. The majority of relatives have a low risk of developing the disease. This means that their risk is comparable to the risk of the general population without a diabetic family member.
Who can participate?
First degree relatives fulfilling following criteria:
- under age 40
- also newborns
- residing in Belgium for at least 6 months
- parent, brother/sister or offspring of a type 1 diabetic patient
- duration of the diabetes or actual age of the patient are NOT important
What does this screening imply?
- information about the risk assessment
- written informed consent
- filling in a short questionnaire
- 4 consecutive blood samples with an interval of 1 year for specialised tests
- follow-up according to the results