Benefits of Diabetes Screening in Newborns

Findings on the benefits of screening newborns for diabetes were presented at the annual meting of the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) in Orlando (FL, USA) by Desmond Schatz, M.D., of the University of Florida (Gainesville, FL, USA). A summary follows.

One important reason for screening before symptoms arise is to improve understanding of the natural history of the prediabetic period. The ability to prevent the disease has been aided by finding genetic causes and identifying susceptibility. Another reason is to gain further insights into the immunopathogenesis of the disease. Although believed to be caused by the interaction of genes, the environment, and the immune system, when and how the disease actually starts are unknown. Early screening would permit an evaluation of how such factors as cow's milk might trigger the onset.

Another reason for screening early is to make an earlier diagnosis of type 1 disease, which offers an opportunity for more-effective disease management, healthier patients, and less-expensive medical costs. Recruiting volunteer subjects for prevention trials is an essential and vital component of any research effort. Once a safe and efficient intervention program is designed, screening could begin on a large scale.




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