Is a Blood Test for Type 1 Diabetes in Kids Worth the Cost?
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Universal screening for presymptomatic type 1 diabetes among schoolchildren would cost approximately €22 (about $25) per child screened, and about €7000 (~$7900) per child diagnosed, a new analysis of data from a German program finds. The data come from the Fr1da study, in which a blood test for type 1 diabetes-associated islet autoantibodies is offered to all children aged 21 months to 6 years old in Bavaria, Germany. Families of those who test positive are offered participation in a program of diabetes education, metabolic staging, psychological evaluation for stress, and prospective follow-up.
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@aagami The researchers explain that, worldwide, 4 in 1000 people under the age of 20 years have type 1 diabetes. It is the most common metabolic disease in children and adolescents. Only about 1 in 10 of those affected has a close relative with the disease. This means that type 1 diabetes can affect any child. If detected early, doctors can monitor and treat the disease effectively. However, in many cases, the disease does not become known until a severe to life-threatening metabolic derailment known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) occurs. This often leads to intensive medical treatment, a longer hospitalization, and poorer blood glucose control, which can result in an increased risk of secondary diseases and very high costs for the healthcare system.