Type 1 Diabetes Progression Cascade
Stages of Type 1 Diabetes
Stage 1: Normal Blood Sugar
Stage 1 is now considered the start of T1D. Individuals test positive for two or more diabetes-related autoantibodies identified by TrialNet screening. The immune system has started attacking insulin-producing beta cells, although blood sugar levels remain normal and no symptoms are present.
- At least one diabetes-related autoantibody
- Normal blood sugar levels
- No symptoms
Did you know? Research shows that age plays a significant role in the rate of T1D progression. The younger the person, the faster the disease will progress.
Stage 2: Abnormal Blood Sugar
Stage 2, like stage 1, includes individuals with two or more diabetes-related autoantibodies, but now blood sugar levels have become abnormal due to increasing loss of beta cells. There are still no symptoms.
- Two or more diabetes-related autoantibodies
- Abnormal blood sugar levels
- No symptoms
Did you know? For both stage 1 and 2, the lifetime risk of clinical diagnosis (stage 3) nears 100%.
Stage 3: Clinical Diagnosis
Stage 3 is when clinical diagnosis typically takes place. By this time, there is significant beta cell loss and symptoms of type 1 diabetes are usually present.
Clinical T1D diagnosis + significant beta cell loss + Symptoms of T1D