Early Detection Clinic for Type 1 Diabetes

What Is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is a complex autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Over time, this leads to an inability to produce insulin, a hormone essential for regulating blood sugar levels.

There is currently no cure for Type 1 diabetes. However, research has shown that the disease develops in stages, and early detection can help identify individuals at increased risk before symptoms appear.

The Early Detection Clinic for Type 1 Diabetes at SSMC is designed to identify at-risk children and adolescents at a pre-symptomatic stage, enabling proactive monitoring and timely intervention.

Who Should Consider Screening?

The clinic is intended for children and adolescents under the age of 18 who have a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

Children in these families have a significantly higher risk of developing the condition. Early screening allows for:

• Identification of diabetes-related antibodies before symptoms develop
• Regular monitoring for early changes
• Informed clinical decision-making
• A shift from emergency response to preventive care

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes often develops gradually but may not cause noticeable symptoms in its earliest stages.

When symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision

In some cases, children are diagnosed only after presenting with severe complications that require urgent medical care. Early detection aims to reduce this risk.

How We Diagnose

The Early Detection Clinic uses a simple blood test to detect diabetes-related autoantibodies.

The presence of specific antibodies indicates an increased risk of developing Type 1 diabetes, even before symptoms begin.

If antibodies are detected, patients are enrolled in a structured monitoring programme that includes:

• Regular clinical follow-up
• Ongoing blood glucose assessment
• Family education and counselling
• Individualised care planning

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What We Treat

For eligible patients, SSMC offers the first FDA-approved treatment shown to delay the need for insulin in children and adults at risk of developing Type 1 diabetes.

This treatment:

• Is administered via daily intravenous infusion over a two-week period
• Is delivered under close medical supervision
• Has been shown to delay progression to clinical Type 1 diabetes in at-risk individuals

Care is delivered through a fully integrated, multidisciplinary team that includes:

• Paediatric endocrinologists
• Adult endocrinologists
• Specialised infusion nurses
• Clinical pharmacists
• Rheumatologists
• Infectious disease specialists
• Vascular surgeons
• Interventional radiologists

This coordinated approach ensures continuity of care from early risk identification through treatment, education, and long-term follow-up.

Why Choose SSMC?

The Early Detection Clinic reflects SSMC’s commitment to delivering advanced, research-driven care aligned with Abu Dhabi’s vision for proactive, preventive healthcare.

By identifying risk early and intervening before symptoms develop, we aim to:

• Delay disease progression
• Reduce the likelihood of severe complications
• Improve long-term health outcomes
• Support families with education and guidance

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