Enabling Early Detection of Type 1 Diabetes in Adults
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is increasing worldwide, with more than half of all new cases diagnosed in adults. A key biomarker of early-stage T1D is the presence of multiple islet autoantibodies, which signal the development of T1D long before clinical symptoms appear. While early detection screening has been more widely understood and implemented in children over the last decade, it remains unclear whether the same biomarkers apply to adults. With support from Breakthrough T1D, the researcher team will investigate which autoantibodies and diagnostic criteria are best suited to identify early stages and development of T1D in adults.
“Based on our experience in studies with children, we know that early detection of islet autoantibodies and monitoring affected individuals can minimize the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis at clinical onset of type 1 diabetes, a potentially life-threatening medical emergency that can occur when symptoms remain undetected. We believe that similar benefits can be transferred to adults and that the findings from our study may help guide future screening programs,” says Prof. Peter Achenbach, Deputy Director of the Institute of Diabetes Research and lead scientist of the project.
Finding Answers in the German National Cohort
The researchers will analyze data and blood samples from over 75,000 participants of the German National Cohort (NAKO; www.nako.de) to determine the frequency and diagnostic value of islet autoantibodies in the general adult population. To complement these findings, the team will draw on long-term data from the Babydiab/Babydiet study, which includes over 2,000 first-degree relatives of individuals with T1D who have been followed from birth up to over 30 years of age. This combined dataset enables the researchers to study the development and persistence of islet autoantibodies across different stages of life.
“The German National Cohort is a population-based prospective cohort study. Using its extensive data, we aim to identify risk factors and improve early detection and prevention of diseases such as type 1 diabetes. With the support from Breakthrough T1D, we hope to generate important insights into the frequency and significance of islet autoantibodies in relation to the development of type 1 diabetes in adults. These insights could open new opportunities for earlier diagnosis and treatment,” explains Prof. Annette Peters, Director of the Institute of Epidemiology and Chair of the NAKO Board of Directors, who is co-leading the project.
