Type 1 Diabetes in Children: Early Signs, Prevention, and How Teplizumab Offers New Hope

Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions in children. While it cannot yet be cured, recent advancements like Teplizumab are helping delay its onset in at-risk children. Here’s what every parent should know about Type 1 diabetes, who it affects, and how new treatments are changing the future of pediatric care.

What Is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, the body cannot regulate blood sugar, leading to serious health risks if untreated.

Unlike Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 is not linked to diet or lifestyle. It often develops during childhood or adolescence, and symptoms may appear suddenly.

Who Is at Risk?

While anyone can develop Type 1 diabetes, children with the following factors may be at higher risk:

• A family history of Type 1 diabetes
• Presence of certain autoantibodies in the blood
• Personal or family history of autoimmune diseases (e.g., thyroid disease, celiac)

Common Early Symptoms in Children

• Increased thirst and frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue and weakness
• Blurred vision
• Fruity-smelling breath
• Increased hunger despite eating

If your child shows these symptoms, it’s important to consult a pediatrician right away for testing.

Can Type 1 Diabetes Be Prevented?

Currently, there is no way to prevent Type 1 diabetes entirely. However, early screening and immune therapy can help delay its onset in children who are identified as high risk.

A Breakthrough: Teplizumab

Teplizumab (brand name Tzield) is an FDA-approved drug that can delay the onset of Type 1 diabetes in children and teens at high risk. It’s the first medication of its kind to do so.

Teplizumab works by targeting the immune system, helping to prevent it from attacking the pancreas. In clinical trials, children and adolescents who received Teplizumab experienced an average delay of two years in developing full-blown Type 1 diabetes.

This additional time is incredibly valuable—it allows families to plan ahead, delay insulin dependence, and potentially reduce the early burden of managing diabetes.

What Parents Should Do

• Talk to your pediatrician about family history and screening options
• If your child has tested positive for autoantibodies, ask about Teplizumab
• Stay informed about early symptoms and monitor your child’s health

Conclusion: Type 1 diabetes can be life-changing, but with early detection and new treatments like Teplizumab, families have more options than ever before. If your child is at risk, ask your healthcare provider about screening and whether Teplizumab might be right for your family.