Decoding Type 1 Diabetes: Beta Cells, Autoantibodies, and Early Detection

In this episode, Dr. Steve Edelman and Dr. Jeremy Pettus are joined by Dr. Shara Bialo, Senior Medical Director of Type 1 Diabetes Immunology at Sanofi, pediatric endocrinologist, and person living with type 1 diabetes, for an in-depth discussion about what happens before type 1 diabetes is diagnosed. Together, they explore the autoimmune process that begins months or even years before symptoms appear, why early detection matters, and how screening is changing the future of type 1 diabetes care. 

Dr. Bialo shares her personal diagnosis story, discusses common misconceptions about what causes type 1 diabetes, and explains the three stages of the disease. The conversation also covers who should be screened, how diabetes autoantibody testing works, the benefits of preserving beta cell function, and why identifying people before they develop symptoms can lead to better long-term outcomes and fewer cases of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Whether you have type 1 diabetes, have a family member at risk, or simply want to better understand the latest advances in prevention and early detection, this episode provides valuable insights into one of the fastest-moving areas of diabetes research.

Key Topics:

• Dr. Shara Bialo's personal journey living with type 1 diabetes
• Why type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, not simply a blood sugar problem
• The role of genetics, viral infections, and the immune system
• Understanding the three stages of type 1 diabetes
• Why most people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes have no family history
• Adult-onset type 1 diabetes and why it is often mistaken for type 2 diabetes
• What diabetes autoantibodies are and how screening works
• Who should consider screening for type 1 diabetes
• Available screening options, including blood tests and home screening kits
• The emotional challenges families face when considering screening
• The importance of preventing diabetic ketoacidosis through early detection
• Why preserving beta cell function can improve long-term outcomes
• Italy's national screening program and the future of population-wide screening
• Resources available through screenfortype1.com

This content was produced with support from Sanofi and screenfortype1.com.

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