Are pediatric primary care providers ready for type 1 diabetes screening and monitoring? A survey from a large, United States pediatric network

Type 1 diabetes has been redefined to include pre-symptomatic stages prior to clinical disease.¹ Screening for islet autoantibodies is recommended in those with a known family history or elevated genetic risk to enable access to interventions and reduce diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis.² For those with positive antibodies, consensus guidance recommends monitoring for dysglycemia at regular intervals based on age and antibody number.³ Screening is generally supported by pediatric and adult endocrinologists, though chronically understaffed clinics may limit implementation.⁴ The guidance advocates that primary care providers (PCPs) participate in screening and monitoring.³ Though PCPs have identified priorities for type 1 diabetes screening tests,⁵ little is known about their understanding and capacity to engage in screening and monitoring, an essential first step prior to implementing widescale programs.