Community-Based Early-Stage Type 1 Diabetes Screening in Underserved Populations

Introduction and Objective: Early detection of early-stage T1D improves clinical outcomes and enables interventions that delay disease progression. Yet, screening outside clinical research is limited. Population-based studies report autoantibody (AutoAb) positivity in ~1% of screened individuals, highlighting the need for community-based screening. This study evaluates the feasibility and accessibility of mobile T1D AutoAb screening in the underserved California Counties. Methods: This ongoing cross-sectional study is conducted through the Mobile Diabetes Education Center (MOBEC), which offers free preventive services at community events. People aged ≥10 years receive pre-screen education and fingerstick-based T1D AutoAb screening (Enable BiosciencesTM). T1D experts review positive results, all participants receive a follow up phone call with the results. Participants with positive tests are referred for confirmatory testing. Results: To date, 56 individuals participated with a diverse cohort. Three participants (5.4%) had known or suspected diabetes and positive results. The remaining 53 participants (96.4%) screened negative. Participants reported high acceptability and valued accessible, cost-free, community-based screening. Follow up with test results has been challenging in 17% of participants (9/53). Data collection is ongoing. Conclusion: Mobile community-based T1D AutoAb screening is feasible and reaches underserved populations, supporting equitable early detection and potentially reducing delayed T1D diagnosis and DKA. Disclosure: J. Bajwa: None. J. Shubrook: Advisory Panel; Current; Abbott Diabetes. Other - Doc Care Deputy EditorConsensus panel-liver health, screening early stage T1d, Technology in primary care; Current; American Diabetes Association. Advisory Panel; Current; Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH. Consultant; Ended; Corcept Therapeutics. Advisory Panel; Ended; Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Advisory Panel; Current; Insulet Corporation. Advisory Panel; Ended; Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Consultant; Current; Novo Nordisk, Sanofi. Funding: Breakthrough T1D-community screening seed grant