Detecting type 1 diabetes in children early
Sanford Health has made a strong commitment to studying, preventing and curing type 1 diabetes (T1D). Building off the successful PLEDGE Pediatric Screening Study, Sanford Health is now offering free T1D screenings to our pediatric patients.
Screening can identify children who are at risk for developing T1D. Early detection and ongoing monitoring means kids can start treatment early, to delay insulin injections and prevent serious illness.
Who should be screened?
Children who:
- Are around 2, 5 or 9 years old
- Do not have T1D
Children who have a close family member with T1D may be eligible for more frequent screenings. Contact a member of our team with questions by calling (605) 312-8306.
Why should my child get screened?
T1D is a lifelong disease where the immune system attacks cells in the body that make insulin.
Screening tests for autoantibodies that indicate a child may be at risk for developing T1D. If autoantibodies are present, your child’s doctor will discuss monitoring and treatment options with you.
Early detection helps improve long-term blood sugar control and prevent serious illness.
How can I request T1D screening for my child?
Parents can request free T1D screening for their child by calling (605) 312-8306 or talking with their child’s primary care provider.
How T1D Screening Works
Request a screening
Call (605) 312-8306 or talk with your child’s primary care provider.
Visit your Sanford Clinic Lab
A small amount of blood will be collected from your child’s finger or arm.
See Results in My Sanford Chart
If your child screens positive for T1D autoantibodies, you will receive a phone call to discuss next steps.
Learn More
Your child’s next steps after a positive result from a screening
If your child tests positive for T1D antibodies, our team will follow up with you to make sure your child gets the care they need.
PLEDGE stories
Meet Gary Hall Jr.
The Olympic swimmer hasn’t let a diabetes diagnosis slow him down. Learn how the 10-time medal winner is working to advance diabetes research.
Meet the Jensen Family
Maren Jensen enrolled her daughter, Blakely, in the PLEDGE study for Blakely’s welfare – and to support diabetes research.
Meet Drs. Griffin and Whittington
Kurt Griffin, MD, and Laura Whittington, DO, discuss why children should enroll in the PLEDGE study and how to start the process.
Sanford Health’s T1D screening program is offered through the Sanford Virtual Care Center and proudly supported by
