The conference “A step ahead of type 1 diabetes – from experience to political action” marked an important step forward in advancing early detection of type 1 diabetes.
Held at the Danish Parliament on 13 April, it brought together patients, clinicians, researchers and policymakers and highlighted both strong momentum and a clear willingness to act.
Personal stories from children and families provided a powerful reminder of what is at stake. They reinforced why early detection matters – not only as a scientific goal, but as a real opportunity to delay disease onset and give families more healthy years.
We are now at a turning point. Through the DiaUnion project, partners including Steno Diabetes Centre Copenhagen and Lund University are already leading large-scale research in early detection of type 1 diabetes (T1D). With strong data and a well-established healthcare infrastructure, Denmark is well-positioned to take a leading role in this field.
A key milestone at the conference was the presentation of a new
Green Paper on early detection of T1D. Developed in collaboration with the Alliance for Early Detection of T1D, it outlines five concrete recommendations:
- Establish a national, risk-based early detection programme for children
- Launch a temporary “catch-up” detection programme for at-risk youth and adults
- Develop national clinical guidelines for early detection, follow-up and treatment
- Strengthen counselling and support for families
- Initiate a national awareness and information effort on early detection of T1D
During the political panel, there was broad recognition that early detection is prevention. Several elements were identified as ready for implementation at both regional and national levels, while discussions will continue on the optimal framework and funding for a national programme.
At the same time, developments across Europe show that progress is already underway. Countries such as Italy have introduced national legislation, and others are advancing initiatives for early detection of T1D. The question now is whether Denmark will follow.
The conference made one point clear: the knowledge and tools are already in place. The next step is to translate momentum into concrete action within the healthcare system.
Medicon Valley Alliance and DiaUnion are part of 'Alliancen for T1Dlig Opsporing' in Denmark alongside Diabetesforeningen and Sanofi.
