Identify type 1 diabetes and celiac disease before the symptoms appear can radically change the future of many children. Thanks to early screening, it is possible to intervene in time to reduce complications and improve the quality of life. After the success of an experiment in four Italian regions, the program is ready to become national by the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026.
The pilot project
The program, called D1Cescreen, involved around 5,363 children of 2, 6 and 10 years in Campania, Lombardy, Marche and Sardinia with the support of 429 free choice pediatricians. The test, simple and unchanged, consisted of a capillary blood sampling to identify specific antibodies that can anticipate the onset of the two autoimmune pathologies. The results were clear: 0.97% of positivity for diabetes and 2.8% for celiac disease.
Because it is important (and works) screening
Both type 1 diabetes and celiac disease are autoimmune chronic diseases that can remain silent for years. The antibodies that heave them can appear long before the symptoms, offering a precious opportunity for timely intervention. A early diagnosis allows you to set constant monitoring, prevent acute crises and reduce long -term effects.
The project highlighted a high participation of families and a network of pediatricians strongly involved. The organization of the collection and analysis of the samples has produced results in line with the best European experiences, showing that the Italian system is ready to manage large scale screening.
Towards the national extension
Law 130/2023 has already established the foundations for this national screening. According to the vice-president of the Chamber Giorgio Mulè, promoter of the law, all the necessary tools are ready: from the implementation decree already financed to the agreement with the State-Regions Conference. The goal is to start within a few months, offering this Italian families this possibility.
The extension of the screening represents not only a prevention strategy, but also a long -term investment. Reducing cases of complications means less health costs and, above all, a more serene life for thousands of children and parents. It is an important step towards an Italy in which the health of the little ones is protected from the beginning.
Don’t you want to lose our news?
You may also be interested in:
