Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys insulin‑producing beta cells in the pancreas. This results in an absolute insulin deficiency and requires lifelong insulin therapy. T1D can occur at any age but is most commonly diagnosed in childhood and adolescence.
How common is type 1 diabetes in Canada?
Type 1 diabetes accounts for approximately 5–10% of all diabetes cases in Canada. Approximately 300,000 Canadians are currently living with T1D, and the number continues to rise each year. Although less common than type 2 diabetes, T1D carries a substantial lifelong burden due to the need for continuous insulin therapy and monitoring.
How many new cases of type 1 diabetes occur each year?
Approximately 12,000 new cases of type 1 diabetes are diagnosed in Canada annually. While T1D is often perceived as a childhood condition, more than half of new diagnoses occur in adults, highlighting the importance of awareness across all age groups.
How does Canada compare internationally for type 1 diabetes rates?
Canada is among the countries with the highest incidence rates of type 1 diabetes worldwide. In children under 15 years of age, incidence rates are estimated at approximately 39 cases per 100,000 per year, placing Canada near the top globally.
Are rates of type 1 diabetes increasing?
Yes. Both Canadian and international data show that the prevalence and incidence of type 1 diabetes have been increasing over time. This rise exceeds population growth alone and suggests a true increase in autoimmune disease activity, though the exact causes remain unclear.
How is type 1 diabetes diagnosed?
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed after symptoms of high blood sugar appear, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and fatigue. Diagnosis is confirmed with blood tests showing high glucose levels, along with tests like autoantibodies and C-peptide to help confirm type 1 diabetes. For some, especially children, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening complication caused by severe insulin deficiency, may be the first sign of type 1 diabetes. This makes early recognition and diagnosis especially important. Reducing DKA at diagnosis is a major public health goal.
What role do autoantibodies play in type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes develops over time and is preceded by the appearance of diabetes‑related autoantibodies. The presence of two or more autoantibodies strongly predicts progression to clinical T1D, often years before symptoms appear. Autoantibody testing allows identification of individuals in the early, preclinical stages of the disease.
Is there routine screening for type 1 diabetes in Canada?
Unlike type 2 diabetes, routine population‑wide screening for type 1 diabetes is not currently standard practice in Canada. However, research initiatives and pilot programs are evaluating screening strategies due to the long preclinical phase of the disease and the high rate of DKA at diagnosis. Currently, TrialNet offers screening to first- and second-degree relatives of someone living with T1D. UncoverT1D can be accessed for more information on early detection.
What are the benefits of early screening?
Early screening allows doctors to detect the earliest stages of type 1 diabetes, before symptoms appear. People identified through screening can be closely monitored, which helps avoid dangerous complications like diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis. Early knowledge also means people and families can join clinical trials or access new treatments as soon as they become available, potentially delaying the disease’s progress.
What treatments are available to delay type 1 diabetes?
Currently, one medication—teplizumab—has been recently granted Notice of Compliance (market authorization) by Health Canada to delay the onset of type 1 diabetes in people who test positive for multiple antibodies and show early signs of abnormal blood sugars. This treatment works by calming the immune system and slowing its attack on the pancreas. While not a cure, delaying the disease, even for a few years, can mean less time on insulin and more years of normal childhood. Ongoing studies continue to search for additional medications, vaccines and approaches to further reduce risk.
What gives hope for the future?
The ability to screen, monitor and even delay type 1 diabetes represents enormous progress for families. Advances in immunotherapy and a better understanding of genetic risk mean researchers are closer than ever to finding more ways to slow or stop disease progression. Families can look forward to new options and improved support, making the outlook brighter than ever before.
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