14 November, 2025

barnaclínic+ introduces type 1 diabetes screening to detect the disease before the first symptoms appear

The Endocrinology and Nutrition team at barnaclínic+ has introduced a new type 1 diabetes screening service, a tool that allows us to detect the risk of developing the disease before classic symptoms appear. Coinciding with World Diabetes Day, barnaclínic+ presents this new service as a key tool to improve early detection of the disease and reinforce its commitment to prevention.. Led by Dr. Jesús Blanco, endocrinologist at barnaclínic+ and a reference in the management of type 1 diabetes, this service reinforces the institution’s commitment to comprehensive care that supports people before, during and after diagnosis.

A step forward in the early diagnosis of type 1 diabetes

Early diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is based on a simple and non-invasive laboratory test that analyses specific autoantibodies which may appear in the blood years before the symptoms of the disease become visible.

As Dr. Blanco explains, “Type 1 diabetes screening allows us to get ahead of the diagnosis. We can identify people at higher risk and, in many cases, prevent disease onset from occurring in an emergency situation or with severe symptoms.”

This advance represents a unique window of opportunity to plan preventive strategies and provide early clinical follow-up, avoiding the complications that often accompany the onset of type 1 diabetes.

A benchmark screening programme at barnaclínic+

The new type 1 diabetes screening programme at barnaclínic+ is primarily aimed at:

• First-degree relatives (parents, children or siblings) of people with type 1 diabetes.
• Individuals with a high genetic risk.
• People who want to know their individual risk of developing type 1 diabetes.

The screening test can be requested directly at barnaclínic+, without the need for referral.
Patients can choose between having the test performed at the centre or receiving a self-sampling kit at home, managed by the barnaclínic+ team.
In both cases, the consultation to communicate results and provide recommendations can be conducted either in person or online, facilitating access for patients from any location.

Early detection, follow-up and expert support

Dr. Blanco emphasises that this type of screening marks a paradigm shift in the management of type 1 diabetes: “Until now, we could identify people at risk, but we had nothing to offer them. Today, thanks to scientific advances, we can act earlier, monitor them and, in the near future, even modulate the natural course of the disease.”

At barnaclínic+, the process is carried out in an integrated and personalised manner, including:

• Sample collection and immunological analysis.
• Interpretation of results by expert endocrinologists.
• Clinical advice and follow-up planning based on each patient’s individual risk.

“Our goal is to support people before, during and after the diagnosis of diabetes. Prevention is the best way to protect health and improve our patients’ quality of life.”

Dr. Jesús Blanco, endocrinologist at barnaclínic+ and Hospital Clínic de Barcelona

A commitment to prevention and innovation in healthcare

With the introduction of type 1 diabetes screening, barnaclínic+ strengthens its position as a reference centre for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, adding this tool to other consolidated services such as the management of closed-loop systems (artificial pancreas) or comprehensive treatment of type 2 diabetes, MODY diabetes and gestational diabetes.