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UK Study Validates Finger-Prick Screening for Early Type 1 Diabetes, Prompting NHS Clinics

Lancet publication of ELSA results sets up ELSA 2 expansion, with access to teplizumab awaiting an NHS funding decision.

Overview

  • First-phase ELSA data from 17,283 screenings identified 160 children with early-stage type 1 diabetes, 75 with a single autoantibody, and 7 with previously undiagnosed disease requiring immediate insulin.
  • NHS Early-Stage Type 1 Diabetes Clinics will be created at 20 UK sites to provide monitoring, education and a clear pathway from screening to insulin care.
  • ELSA 2 launches to widen screening to children aged 2–17, with a target of recruiting 30,000 additional participants across new age groups.
  • Teplizumab was licensed by the UK regulator in August 2025 to delay insulin dependence, though routine NHS use awaits a spending-watchdog ruling.
  • Researchers and charities say earlier detection should cut emergency presentations such as diabetic ketoacidosis and give families time to prepare.