T1D Screening to Identify Risk Before Symptoms

In this video, PA Ashlyn Smith explains how screening for type 1 diabetes can identify risk before symptoms appear and help prevent serious complications like diabetic ketoacidosis. She reviews who should be screened, available testing options—including lab and at home kits—and how early detection supports education, monitoring, and timely referral for proactive care.

Key Takeaways:

Screen for T1D in people with family members with T1D, those with autoimmune diseases that are comorbid with T1D, and people who self-refer.
Patients can be tested with a blood draw through a commercial lab or an at-home kit with a finger stick.
Next steps after positive screening are patient-dependent.

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Speaker

Click on the photo below to learn more about the speaker.

Ashlyn Smith, MMS, PA-C, DipACLM, BC-ADM, DFAAPA

References and Additional Resources:

Steck AK, Rewers MJ. Genetics of type 1 diabetes. Clin Chem. 2011;57(2):176-185. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21205883/

American Diabetes Association. Type 1 Diabetes Toolkit. Accessed February, 2026. https://professional.diabetes.org/sites/dpro/files/2024-12/121724_T1D_Toolkit.pdf

Moore DJ, Leibel NI, Polonsky W, Rodriguez H. Recommendations for screening and monitoring the stages of type 1 diabetes in the immune therapy era. Int J Gen Med. 2024;17:3003-3014. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11247126/

AAPA. Type 1 diabetes toolkit. Accessed February, 2026. https://www.aapa.org/education/clinical-resource-library/type-1-diabetes-toolkit/

Supported by

Ashlyn Smith, MMS, PA-C, DipACLM, BC-ADM, DFAAPA

Ashlyn Smith is a board-certified physician associate, Certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional, Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management, and Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of PAs with 15 years of clinical expertise in whole-person endocrine care and over a decade of commitment to medical education.

Ashlyn is the founder of ELM Endocrinology & Lifestyle Medicine, PLLC. She co-launched the Independent PA Collective, supporting PAs in starting and scaling innovative, independent healthcare and other PA-led ventures. She is Past President of the American Society of Endocrine Physician Assistants and adjunct faculty at Midwestern University. In addition to clinical care, Ashlyn is an author and frequent speaker at state and national conferences.