Detect early, act early: Improving diagnosis of type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong autoimmune condition that is often misdiagnosed or detected too late, increasing the risk of serious complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This policy brief by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) presents the need for earlier diagnosis, improved screening and stronger public awareness. It explains how autoantibody screening can identify people at risk before symptoms appear, allowing earlier intervention and potentially delaying disease progression. The brief also outlines global challenges in access to testing, insulin, and healthcare, while recommending stronger policies, healthcare training, community screening programmes, and investment in research and affordable diabetes care.