Misunderstandings about type 1 diabetes may influence how families perceive their risk, while emotional obstacles and insufficient provider advice present additional difficulties for screening.

Key Facts:

Recent poll results from Beyond Type 1 commissioned by Sanofi indicate 26% of those with a first-degree relative do not consider themselves at risk for T1D, even though their odds can be up to 15 times higher.
Common errors may fuel this gap: 38% of participants wrongly named insufficient exercise as a T1D contributor, and 63% incorrectly assumed T1D mainly affects children, although adults account for roughly 60% of annual new cases.
Understanding risk boosts screening interest, yet hurdles persist: 85% noted that learning of elevated risk increased their likelihood to pursue screening, while 46% remain undecided or not planning to screen within six months.

, /PRNewswire/ -- Fresh data reveal a notable mismatch among individuals with a first-degree relative who has type 1 diabetes (T1D): even with up to 15 times higher odds of developing the condition, over one-quarter of respondents (26%) do not view themselves or their child as at risk.

The results stem from "The Family Factor: A T1D Risk Awareness Survey," conducted by global diabetes nonprofit Beyond Type 1 and supported by Sanofi. The poll points to awareness shortfalls among adults and caregivers of children who have a first-degree family member with T1D, indicating that ongoing myths about disease onset, origins, and screening timing may affect whether at-risk people view early detection as relevant.

Of those polled, 63% wrongly thought the condition primarily appears in children, whereas adults actually comprise about 60% of fresh T1D diagnoses yearly. In addition, 38% of participants incorrectly listed lack of exercise as a T1D contributor, though T1D is an autoimmune condition unrelated to lifestyle choices.

Screening myths also surfaced: 26% believed autoantibody testing can occur only after symptoms start, and 31% thought it is restricted to specialists.

These issues carry weight. More than 2 million people in the U.S. currently live with T1D, an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system targets insulin-producing pancreatic cells. Many receive an unexpected diagnosis, frequently after intense symptoms that risk serious, even life-threatening issues such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Yet the poll shows 28% of respondents have either never encountered the term DKA or lack understanding of it.

"A type 1 diabetes diagnosis can affect an entire family, prompting fresh questions about risk, screening, and next steps," said Kristian Hurley, EVP Social Impact and Global Advocacy at Beyond Type 1. "These results underscore the demand for clearer education, reliable direction, and simpler screening routes so families can grasp their choices and decide wisely."

Motivational Drivers and Barriers to Screen
Although many voice worry about their risk, some hesitate to proceed. While 82% of respondents expressed concern about their own or their child's chance of developing T1D, 46% indicated they are either not considering early autoantibody screening or remain undecided about screening in the coming six months.

This divide may tie to doctor visits. Although 62% of those polled said their doctor discussed their or their child's T1D risk, talks about autoantibody screening occur less often. Only 28% of respondents aware of screening reported their doctor started a conversation about it.

Those not planning to screen or unsure cited emotional and practical obstacles:

Emotional Barriers: 21% noted a positive outcome would trigger significant anxiety for them or their child, and one in 10 prefer to avoid knowing future health risks. Among caregivers, 19% said they would feel guilty if their child developed T1D, believing it their fault.
Logistical Barriers: 18% stated they do not know how to access screening, 17% said they would not know follow-up steps if positive, and 23% said that because they or their child are currently healthy, they prefer to wait for changes.

Knowledge Fuels Interest - Support Promotes Action
Learning personal T1D risk strongly motivates, yet wider support helps turn intent into steps. An impressive 85% of respondents said they felt more inclined to screen after learning of heightened risk.

To shift from hesitation to action, a doctor's endorsement ranks as the top driver for both caregivers and at-risk adults (56%), followed by gaining details on the screening process (49%), learning more about the disease (42%), hearing from screened individuals (37%), and discovering available community support post-screening (30%).

"The Family Factor survey offers key insight into at-risk families, showing that while education builds intent, backing from healthcare providers and the T1D community serves as essential drivers for follow-through," says Dr. Shara Bialo, Senior Medical Director at Sanofi and pediatric endocrinologist. "These poll outcomes can assist healthcare providers in grasping the obstacles first-degree relatives encounter, helping close the divide between awareness and action."

Although T1D autoantibody screening can detect risk before symptoms arise, its place in standard care stays limited, highlighting the value of these survey insights and the push for earlier detection.

Core findings from "The Family Factor: A T1D Risk Awareness Survey" are available here. Visit BeyondType1.org for further details.

Research Methodology
This survey was conducted by Ipsos (www.ipsos.com) as an online, 15-minute, self-administered poll among U.S. adults at risk for type 1 diabetes and caregivers of children under 18 at risk for type 1 diabetes from April 1 to May 1, 2026. The national sample covered 1,000 U.S. adults and caregivers meeting qualification criteria. Extra interviews occurred in six key states - TX, GA, CA, FL, MA, and NY - to reach a base of n=150 each, mixing at-risk adults and caregivers. Respondents came from opt-in general population panels nationwide.

To join as an at-risk adult, participants needed to be ages 18-45 with a first-degree family member (such as parent, child, or sibling) diagnosed with T1D. Caregivers needed to be ages 18-60 and parent or caregiver of a child with a first-degree relative diagnosed with T1D. Those unwilling to give informed consent, not primary healthcare decision-makers, or who had previously taken a T1D autoantibody blood test were excluded. Final sample size reached 1,511, including 511 state-level augment respondents not part of national results. No weights applied, and findings reflect only these respondents' views.

About Beyond Type 1
Beyond Type 1 is a global nonprofit reshaping life with diabetes and serving the world's largest digital diabetes community. Co-founded by Nick Jonas and Juliet de Baubigny in 2015, it supplies tools, education, and support to help those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes survive, thrive, and advance innovation toward prevention and cures. Visit BeyondType1.org to learn more.

About IPSOS
Ipsos ranks among the largest market research and polling firms worldwide, active in 90 markets with nearly 20,000 employees.

Its research professionals, analysts, and scientists deliver multi-specialist skills that yield deep understanding and strong insights into the actions, opinions, and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers, or employees. Its 75 business solutions draw on primary data from surveys, social media monitoring, and qualitative or observational methods.

"Game Changers" - its tagline - captures its goal to guide its 5,000 clients confidently through a fast-changing world.

Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has listed on Euronext Paris since July 1, 1999. It belongs to the SBF 120 and Mid-60 indices and qualifies for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD).

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www.ipsos.com

SOURCE Beyond Type 1