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If you have T1D and have a child under the age of 18 who has not been diagnosed with T1D, at what age would you start screening your child for T1D autoantibodies?
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Both of my boys are now over 18 but I had them tested when they were 7. They tested negative for the antibodies which gives me tremendous peace after what I went through when diagnosed. Thankful they have been able to test for this.
I was able to screen both my boys through the TrialNet study at our local JDRF walks, rich read super convenient. Both negative.
*which was
I selected “N/A – I do not have T1D and a child under age 18 who does not have T1D” but I did fingerprick tests, especially on my eldest son as he was growing up.
This was so long ago that antibodies and antiautobodies wasn’t spoken of.
Oops! I’ve just noticed my error there. It should, of course, have stipulated autoantibodies and NOT antiautobodies.
More fool me for getting it wrong. Sorry.
I selected “I would not….” but honestly didn’t know this was an option. Is it only happening in the context of clinical trials? Or are physician offices performing these tests upon request?
I have had T1D for 50 years.
I have 2 children and neither are T1D.
There was no such test when they were young and I never even thought of their becoming T1D.
I was diagnosed after having mononucleosis.
I have a 19 year old and a 15 year old and have just kept a sharp eye on them for symptoms over the years and so far, so good. Not sure I’d want to know about the antibodies, which I suppose may be an ignorant choice but it is the one I’ve made.
T1D can occur at any age. I was diagnosed at age 51. None of my 1st or 2nd degree relatives meet protocol for TrialNet testing. Since we have autoimmune diseases in my family I encourage my relatives to get tested. https://www.jdrf.org/t1d-resources/t1detect/
I DO have T1D, but my child is now 40 years old. When he was under 10, I was told that giving small amounts of insulin may prevent a future T1D diagnosis. I refused that option. He is still healthy and does not have diabetes.
While I chose 1-3 (toddler), I would still perform a test with a glucometer earlier just for the peace of mind.
I participated in a research study and had both kids screened at birth. Both screened negative, and I still have the letter from the clinic telling us our kids could not participate; it was the best rejection letter I have ever received! Both kids were later screened as toddlers and again tested negative. Lucky so far.
I was diagnosed at 18. My middle son diagnosed at 2, now 17. My youngest diagnosed at 9, now 12. I didn’t know about the screening so neither had them done, nor did my oldest who is now 18. Now it’s his choice and he is aware and chooses not to. Had I known, I’d have started in the beginning of their toddler years 💯
I wish there was a choice for “Other” on this question, because that is what I would have chosen. I have T1D and I have children who have not been diagnosed with T1D. Both were tested for autoantibodies when they were younger, but they are now adults. So, the question doesn’t really fit our family, which is why I chose “N/A.”
I had my son screened in his teenage years. That was 27 years ago and the test was negative.
I’m 69 and both my daughters were screened at ages 1-3
My son is 13, I just ordered a test kit. Just gotta talk him into taking it. He hates needles so I’m grateful he’s been healthy this far.
I have T1D and do not have children. However, if I did have children I would have them screened for autoantibodies at age 3 to 5 years and then again every few years. Type 1 runs in my paternal lineage, but others have not been diagnosed with it until their young adult or middle adult years. You never know when a dormant gene for T1D will surface. I am the only one who was diagnosed as a child at age 8.
My 18-yo daughter has T1d and we also have a 14yo son and a 20yo daughter, but we have not had the other 2 screened. Question – what would you do if the result came back showing they’re likely to also get it? There really isn’t anything that can be done to keep them from becoming T1d right? Is there any treatment that can delay or prevent T1d onset??