Sansum Diabetes Research Institute (SDRI) has opened a free walk-in screening clinic to help community members understand their risk for type 1 diabetes (T1D), a serious autoimmune disease that often develops silently, without symptoms.
People can go directly to the SDRI clinic, 5425 Hollister, Ste. 230, every Monday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for the free screening clinic. Appointments can take 10-15 minutes.
Spanish-language support is available for all screenings, including providers who can help explain and guide you through the process.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, and without insulin, blood sugar rises to dangerous levels, SDRI said.
The only treatment is lifelong insulin therapy, SDRI said. Up to 90% of people diagnosed have no family history, and many first learn they have T1D during a medical emergency called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the clinic reports.
Early detection changes this story. A simple blood test can identify markers of risk years before symptoms appear, reducing the chance of DKA and opening access to new therapies that can delay the need for insulin, SDRI said.
“Screening is a powerful tool,” said Dr. Andrew S. Rhinehart, SDRI’s chief scientific and medical officer. “By identifying risk early, we give families the gift of time – time to prepare, time to access resources, and time to explore treatments that can slow disease progression.
“This is about saving lives and shaping healthier futures.”
SDRI is a global leader in diabetes research and prevention. Through partnerships with Breakthrough T1D and Sanofi, SDRI provides:
· Free blood test for T1D-related autoantibodies.
· Personalized risk report in as little as 2-4 weeks.
· Education and guidance from expert clinicians.
· Access to clinical trials and approved therapies.
Who Should Be Screened?
· Anyone with a family history of T1D.
· People diagnosed with autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid disease or celiac disease.
· Anyone over the age of one who wants to understand their risk for T1D.
To learn more, visit sansum.org/screen-treat-pilot-program/.