Type 1 diabetes (T1D) knows no boundaries—but access to screening and post-diagnostic care does. [1,2] Adolescents and young adults in rural communities are at greater risk of delayed diagnosis of T1D, often presenting with life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). [2] Research shows that living far from specialized care and lacking access to technologies can lead to worse health outcomes. [2] And these challenges don’t stop there—they’re compounded for those facing language barriers or financial hardships. [1,3] Research published in 2023 in the Journal of Pediatric Health Care found that delayed referral and diagnosis in rural areas negatively affected T1D management, creating health inequities. [2] This delay often stems from limited access to specialized care or awareness of T1D symptoms among primary care providers. [2] And a 2023 study published in Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare found that individuals with limited English language proficiency had a significantly higher HbA1c than those not needing an interpreter. [1] Language barriers and rural residence can correlate to lower health literacy, poorer glycemic control, and delayed interventions for T1D. [1] And it’s a double whammy when someone faces the simultaneous challenge of a language barrier and living in a rural setting. [4] We can do more, and we must do more, to bend these trends by advocating for vigilance in T1D, screening for those with potential risk AND advocating for clear, plain-language educational information and broader access to specialized care for those impacted. I’ve been engaged by Sanofi to highlight the importance of taking action to screen for T1D, what we can do to support patients who may be at risk, and when to advocate for them. Check out ScreenForType1.com [bit.ly/44dUlxw] for more information you can share with your patients, and tools in multiple languages!! Together, we can transform how T1D is diagnosed. Let’s make screening the new standard of care! #Sponsored #Sanofi_Partner #T1D #Type1Diabetes #screenforT1D #PaidPartner #HealthEquity #Type1Diabetes #ScreenForAll #EarlyDiagnosisMatters #InclusiveHealthcare #DEIinMedicine #T1DCommunity #EndHealthDisparities References 1. Idkowiak J, et al. Front Clin Diabetes Healthc. 2023;4:1228820. 2. Jewell VD, et al. J Pediatr Health Care. 2023;37(1):48-55. 3. Lin MH, et al. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2013;15(11):929-934. 4. Detz A, et al. J Gen Intern Med. 2014;29(12):1650-1656.