TrialNet Helps Delay the Progression of Type 1 Diabetes

What is TrialNet?

In the world of type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, TrialNet is at the forefront. The organization comprises a network of academic institutions, endocrinologists, physicians, scientists, and healthcare teams. It offers screenings for relatives of people with T1D to assess their risks. 

Why is Assessing Your T1D Risk Important? 

The answer is a simple one: TrialNet's research may help slow the progression of T1D. Their ultimate goal is to create a future where T1D no longer exists—something everyone (hopefully) can get on board with.

In 2025, we know that the risks of developing type 1 diabetes increase with family history. Research has shown that if you have a family member with T1D, your risk of developing it is one in 20; meanwhile, the risk for members of the general public without any family history is one in 300. While these ratios may not seem significant, the reality is that as of 2024, 90% of newly diagnosed individuals have no family history. 

This means that resources like TrialNet are essential not just for members of the type 1 diabetes community but also for the general public. Arguably, even more so! These statistics further highlight the importance of having family members screened as early as possible. 

TrialNet research has the power to identify T1D in its earliest stages, often years before symptoms start to appear.

Why Should I Utilize TrialNet’s Resources?

As stated, TrialNet isn’t just for members of the type 1 diabetes community—it’s wildly essential for the general public, too. But first, let’s cover a little history…

Years ago, type 1 diabetes was synonymously referred to as juvenile diabetes, but times have changed, and that myth has since been debunked. According to BreakthroughT1D, 353,000 adults over the age of 20 worldwide were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2024. Meanwhile, only 215,000 children were in that same year.

BreakthroughT1D states that “type 1 diabetes is one of the fastest growing, noncommunicable, chronic health conditions on the planet.” 

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Currently, there is no cure, but by participating in research with organizations like TrialNet, you have the power to change that. 

Today, type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin and blood sugar monitoring. Of course, it’s much more complex than that—but that covers a high-level overview. Much more than an invisible illness, there are intricacies that people with T1D must carefully navigate day in and day out, 24/7—no breaks, vacations, or retirement plans included. 

Diabetes management techniques vary by individual, but there are commonalities many people with type 1 diabetes share in lived experience and treatment plans.

Scientists believe various factors may cause T1D, from genes to the environment to virus exposure. So, while some factors increase risk, the truth is—everyone is potentially at risk. 

Still, participation in research studies with organizations like TrialNet should be part of empowering oneself to conquer one's own health, not fear-mongering! By participating in studies with organizations like TrialNet, you and your family have the power to seize the future of your health and maybe even decide the fate of your diagnosis story.

How Can I Participate in TrialNet?

TrialNet offers several screening opportunities. Eligibility for participation varies based on age, T1D diagnosis stage, and relationship to type 1 diabetes. If you feel discouraged while searching for studies because you aren’t a match, don’t be alarmed—new opportunities are posted regularly! Meanwhile, consider family members or friends who may qualify and share information with them instead.

Here are the research studies TrialNet currently offers:

Risk Screening for Relatives

Relatives of people with type 1 diabetes may be eligible for screenings that can detect T1D in its earliest stages, years before symptoms present. Assessing for risk may help prevent or delay the progression of T1D.

Autoantibody Screening

If you or your child tests positive for type 1 diabetes, the next step is autoantibody testing through the TrialNet Pathway to Prevention. Participating in this screening may delay the disease's progression in people in the early stages.

Prevention Studies

If your screening results show that you’re in the early stages of type 1 diabetes, you may be eligible to participate in a TrialNet prevention study. The ATG Prevention Study (STOP-T1D) was included, but the recruitment timeline recently closed. Participants will provide vital contributions to T1D research. Check the website for future opportunities and read on for current studies accepting participants.

Newly Diagnosed

Studies for the newly diagnosed may help preserve the body’s natural insulin reservoir or slow down the disease's progression. 

Currently, three studies allow newly diagnosed individuals to join if they meet the eligibility requirements: 

• JAK Inhibitors Newly Diagnosed Study (JAKPOT T1D), 
• Rituximab-pvvr / Abatacept Newly Diagnosed Study (T1D RELAY)
• Tolerance Using Plasmid (TOPPLE) Study: Phase 1. 

The first two of these studies are recruiting, while the latter has closed its recruitment window.

Long-Term Follow-up

These kinds of long-term studies help TrialNet answer questions about what happens in the stages of type 1 diabetes, from the best time to start insulin to the differences in blood sugar management, to reducing long-term complications, to understanding the long-term effect of treatments in TrialNet studies, and more! 

TrialNet’s LIFT Study (Long-Term Investigative Follow-Up in TrialNet) provides ongoing monitoring of individuals with T1D—it’s currently the only active study in the world following people with T1D before, during, and after diagnosis.

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Monitoring

If your screening results show two or more diabetes-related autoantibodies and there are no other prevention studies you’re eligible for, TrialNet still wants you to be involved! By signing up for monitoring, you will be asked to visit a TrialNet location twice per year for a follow-up, and when new studies become available, you’ll be among the first alerted.

TrialNet also shares completed study findings with participants and answers frequently asked questions (FAQs) for potential and enrolled participants. The organization offers a wealth of insights and support!

TrialNet Has Never Been More Convenient

Thousands of families have participated in the Pathway to Prevention Study with TrialNet—research that is well-known within the type 1 diabetes community. Thanks to the power of the digital world, there are flexible screening options through at-home testing or the ability to use local Question Diagnostics or LabCorp labs for result processing, along with quick appointment bookings, making enrollment more convenient than ever! Even better, it’s free.

Once you get your results, TrialNet will help you understand them and support you in determining what’s next for you in your health journey.

Learn more about TrialNet, explore research studies, and consider enrolling in studies you match. All study participants have the power to improve the future of type 1 diabetes care and their own health and their family members. Who knew innovation was so close to home?