Type 1 diabetes can develop suddenly in children, often without warning. This autoimmune condition leads to the body’s inability to produce insulin, causing high blood sugar levels that can result in serious complications. Many children with Type 1 diabetes aren't diagnosed until they experience a life-threatening condition like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). We believe early detection through routine screening during pediatric well-checkups is vital to protect children’s health and save lives.

We are calling on healthcare providers and policymakers to mandate Type 1 diabetes screening a standard part of children's well-checkups to ensure early detection and treatment.

Why is this important? According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), over 244,000 children and adolescents in the U.S. live with Type 1 diabetes, and many cases go undiagnosed until a severe health emergency occurs. Unlike Type 2 diabetes, which develops over time, Type 1 diabetes can appear suddenly, with no clear early warning signs.

Without early screening, children risk developing dangerous complications like DKA, which requires emergency medical intervention. Early detection through a simple blood test during routine well-checkups could identify children at risk or in the early stages of Type 1 diabetes, allowing for timely treatment and preventing life-threatening complications.

Currently, Type 1 diabetes screening is not a standard part of pediatric well-checkups, leaving many children undiagnosed until they are critically ill.

We urge the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), healthcare organizations, and policymakers to include Type 1 diabetes screening in routine pediatric well-child visits. A simple blood test to measure blood glucose levels or detect diabetes-related autoantibodies can catch the disease early, before symptoms escalate.

We call for Type 1 diabetes screening to be part of every child's well-checkup, especially for those with a family history or other risk factors for autoimmune diseases. Early detection means early intervention, and early intervention saves lives.

Join us in advocating for a change that could save children’s lives. With Type 1 diabetes on the rise, routine screening during well-checkups is essential to catch the disease before severe complications occur. Sign and share this petition to help make Type 1 diabetes screening a standard part of pediatric care.

Together, we can ensure early detection and protect our children’s health.