Causes & What We Know/July 31, 2026/2 min read

Early Screening for Type 1 Diabetes in At-Risk Children: What a New Study from Latvia Shows

Researchers in Latvia tested siblings of children with Type 1 diabetes to catch the disease early, before symptoms appear. About one-third tested positive for warning signs that could allow for early intervention.

PubMed indexed literature

Evidence label explains the kind of source behind this article (for example peer-reviewed literature vs community video). It is not medical advice.

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Key takeaways

Screening siblings of children with Type 1 diabetes found that roughly 31% had at least one autoantibody—a blood marker suggesting increased risk
A two-stage screening approach (first testing for two antibodies, then four if positive) helped identify which high-risk children needed closer monitoring
Early detection matters because about half of newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes cases in Latvia present with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication that screening might help prevent
The study also checked for related autoimmune conditions like celiac disease and thyroid disease, which sometimes occur alongside Type 1 diabetes

Why Screen Before Symptoms Appear?

Type 1 diabetes is increasing among children in Latvia, and many cases are diagnosed only after a medical crisis. According to a new study published in the European Journal of Pediatrics, about half of newly diagnosed children arrive at the hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)—a dangerous buildup of acids in the blood that requires urgent care.

The idea behind screening is straightforward: if we can identify children at high risk before symptoms develop, there may be opportunities for early intervention. This study focused on siblings of children already diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, since having a family member with the disease raises a child's own risk substantially.

How the Screening Worked

Researchers at Children's Clinical University Hospital in Riga invited siblings (ages 2 to 17) of Type 1 diabetes patients to participate. Between March 2024 and February 2026, 83 children entered the screening program.

The screening happened in two stages. First, all participants had blood tests looking for two specific autoantibodies—insulin autoantibody (IAA) and another marker. If a child tested positive for at least one, they moved to a second round of more detailed testing that checked for four autoantibodies total: IAA, IA-2A, ZnT8A, and GAD-65A. Children who tested positive for two or more autoantibodies then received additional tests to assess their blood sugar control and check for related autoimmune conditions like celiac disease and thyroid disease.

What the Results Showed

Of the 83 children screened, 26 (about 31%) tested positive for at least one autoantibody in the first stage. This group more frequently had a family history of Type 1 diabetes compared to those who tested negative—a finding that reinforces the importance of screening in relatives.

The two-stage approach allowed researchers to focus intensive follow-up testing only on those most likely to need it, making screening more practical and cost-effective than testing everyone for all four autoantibodies upfront.

A Broader Look at Family Well-Being

The study also recognized that screening can be stressful for families. Parents of participating children were assessed for anxiety and depression using standardized questionnaires (GAD-7 and PHQ-9). This attention to parental mental health reflects a growing understanding that screening programs need to support the whole family, not just measure biological markers.

Evidence label

Source: European journal of pediatrics. Evidence type: PubMed indexed literature. 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.

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.

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