Trialnet had been on our never-ending to-do list but we decided to finally pull the trigger at one of our local diabetes events. It was a far simpler task than I expected. We talked to the volunteers about our family history (no history between RJ and I+ but obviously our daughter has Type 1) and they did a quick blood panel and we were sent on our way. Currently, results take six weeks to get back. We were fortunate to get the letter saying we didn’t have any antibodies but if they do find them you will get a call to discuss further options and information.
This test is free to all relatives of people with T1D to evaluate their own risk of developing Type 1. With this information, they are able to identify the early stages of T1D even years before the symptoms appear. Researchers are also able to learn how T1D studies and learn more about how they can learn how to prevent it.
You are able to take part in this study if you:
Are between the ages of 2.5 and 45 years and have a parent, brother/sister, or child with T1D
Are between the ages of 2.5 and 20 years and have an aunt/uncle, cousin, grandparent, niece/nephew, or half-brother/sister with T1D
Have not been diagnosed with diabetes
Being a part of the screening is super quick and free! They only need a little bit of blood and you have plenty of options on how to get tested.
There are at-home test kits that you can use with a finger stick
You can also go to your local Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp and do a blood draw there after registering
You could also go to TrialNet location as well and get the testing done there
For Ella’s younger brother we need to wait until he is two and a half. Once he turns two I think we will discuss if it’s something we want to know as it can be an emotional call to make.
Did you test the rest of your family? I would love to hear what you decided to do and why!
Here is a link to the website if you would like more information!
Type 1 Kid Type A Mom 