When my little brother was recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, it was a terrifying experience. His diagnosis came only hours before it progressed into Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)—a life-threatening emergency. We were incredibly lucky it was caught in time. If his pediatrician had included antibody screening and provided more comprehensive education on early warning signs during routine checkups, our family might never have been placed in such danger.

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that can develop suddenly in infants, toddlers, and older children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases have been rising. Yet many families remain unaware of the subtle signs until the condition has already become severe.

The good news is that autoantibody screening can identify risk early, often before symptoms appear. When a child is known to be at risk, families can monitor more closely and prepare for potential intervention. In some cases, therapies such as Tzield (teplizumab)—an FDA-approved treatment—can delay the onset of insulin dependence by an average of two years for children who test positive for certain antibodies. Early diagnosis is not just helpful; it can buy families valuable time and prevent emergencies like DKA.

Despite this, screening and education are not standard practice during pediatric visits. This leaves countless children at risk and leaves families without essential, potentially life-saving information.

By requiring pediatricians to offer Type 1 Diabetes antibody screening options and provide basic education during routine visits, healthcare systems can:

• Improve early detection
• Reduce preventable DKA emergencies
• Offer timely access to preventive therapies like Tzield
• Empower parents with life-saving knowledge
• Support better long-term outcomes for children                                                                                                                                                                     

We are calling on healthcare policymakers to require pediatricians to offer Type 1 Diabetes antibody screening and family education during all routine checkups—for babies, toddlers, and children of every age.

Early detection matters. It saves lives. And in some cases, it grants families precious time before lifelong insulin dependence begins.

Please sign this petition to help protect children and push for this vital change in pediatric healthcare. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.