In part 2, Emily Goff was busy adjusting to life after her son’s type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosis. Weeks earlier, she had been screened for her T1D risk right in her son’s hospital room at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Then she got the call that she had 3 of the 5 autoantibodies. ”It was shocking,” recalls Emily. “My first thought was that my son got T1D because of me. But after talking to the research coordinator and having time to think about it, I felt much better. I learned that there is a genetic predisposition for autoimmune disease that’s not necessarily linked to T1D or even passed on to every generation.”

Emily returned to Children’s Hospital for additional testing to evaluate her blood sugar levels and determine which stage of T1D she was in.

TrialNet Research Nurse Coordinator, Kelli DeLallo, RN, BSN, who has worked at Children’s for 15 years, explains, “These tests give us more information about risk. Results are usually back in 3-5 days, so it's a quick turnaround. During the visit, we also have time to answer questions and explain what the additional test results will tell us.”

“These tests give us more information about risk. Results are usually back in 3-5 days, so it's a quick turnaround. During the visit, we also have time to answer questions and explain what the additional test results will tell us.”

Emily’s test results showed her blood sugar levels were normal, confirming she was in stage 1 (positive for two or more diabetes-related autoantibodies; normal blood sugar level). She was relieved to be able to join TrialNet monitoring, which would allow continued access to the research team at Children’s and regular testing.

Emily recalls, “At first I thought it would be strange being an adult at a children’s hospital, but because it’s a research center, adults go there too.”

Kelli adds, “Children’s is obviously kid-friendly. We’re all about open spaces with lots of color, windows, and light—the exact opposite of your typical hospital. When people come in for monitoring, we try to make things as comfortable as possible. The additional tests take a few hours, so they’re with us for quite a while. We have reclining chairs or beds where they can watch TV or borrow an iPad to watch a movie. Often, we just end up sitting and talking with them. We’re set up well for adults and children.

 Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

 https://www.chp.edu

 Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, part of the University of Pittsburgh at UPMC, is one of 17 North American TrialNet Clinical Centers at the forefront of type 1 diabetes research. Led by Principal Investigator Ingrid Libman, MD, the TrialNet team is dedicated to preventing type 1 diabetes and stopping disease progression by preserving insulin production before and after diagnosis.

As one of the original TrialNet Clinical Centers, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh has participated in almost every TrialNet study offered over the past 20 years, screening thousands of people for T1D risk.

Emily says it gives her confidence to know her health is being monitored by the TrialNet research team at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. “The staff is absolutely wonderful. They really care about what they’re doing. They remember things about my life and ask me about them. I wrote and illustrated a children’s book about my son’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis, and they wanted to see it. They’re truly kind people, and they really know what they’re doing.”

To learn about Emily’s upcoming opportunity to join a TrialNet prevention study, watch for part 4 next week. Meanwhile, we hope you’ll share this story with your family and friends.

“The staff is absolutely wonderful. They really care about what they're doing. They remember things about my life and ask me about them...They're truly kind people, and they really know what they're doing.”

DID YOU KNOW:

What happens to you get your screening results?

In addition to learning your risk for T1D, you get personal support from the world’s leading T1D research teams. 

It may be difficult to learn you or a family member is at risk for T1D, so we’re with you every step of the way. We’ll answer your questions and let you know about the latest advances and resources.

If your screening results show you are positive for one or more diabetes-related autoantibody, a member of our team will contact you to go over your results. We’ll explain them thoroughly, as well as next steps. You’ll also learn if you’re eligible to participate in regular monitoring or a TrialNet prevention study. All at no cost to you.

This is part 3 of a 4-part series. If you subscribe to TrialNet's newsletter, you'll get part 4 next week. If someone forwarded this article to you, be sure to subscribe here.

A few drops can make a big difference!

TrialNet T1D risk screening looks for type 1 diabetes years before it appears. Know you or your child’s risk for T1D with a free blood test delivered to your door.

Sign Up

Answer a few questions. Free TrialNet screening kits are sent directly to you and can be done from the safety of your home.

Stick It

Each kit includes everything you need. All it takes is a few drops using a finger-stick and provided collection tube.

Ship It

Send your samples back for free using FedEx contactless at home pick up. Get your results in 4-6 weeks.

Get a free screening kit sent to your home today. Sign up at Trialnet.org/screen4T1D

The future without T1D begins with you!