P-443: Early identification of type 1 diabetes: islet autoantibody patterns from Argentine risk youth screening program
C G Vega, C Arzelan Clerici, E Costanzó Escobar, L Luchelli, A Cortés Gómez, M Zunino PradierAbstract
Introduction
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease characterized by progressive pancreatic beta-cell destruction. Early detection through autoantibodies (GADA, IA-2A, IAA, ZnT8A) enables identification of individuals in preclinical stages, facilitating preventive interventions before clinical onset. First-degree relatives (FDR) of T1D individuals have increased disease risk, making them priority candidates for systematic screening.
Objectives
To evaluate T1D-associated autoantibodies in pediatric patients and young adults enrolled in an early-stage T1D diagnostic program across three Argentine cities.
Methods
Cross-sectional observational study conducted between July 2025 and January 2026 in Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area, Tucumán, and Santa Fe. We included 153 participants without previous autoimmune diabetes diagnosis, comprising FDR of T1D individuals or patients presenting dysglycemia. Of these, 124 were aged 1-20 years, and 115 met criteria for autoantibody testing. Serum samples were analyzed for GADA, IA-2A, and IAA using standardized assays. ZnT8A testing was performed on samples positive for any initial autoantibody.
Results
Among 115 tested participants (mean age: 10.4 years, 50% female), 97 (84.3%) were negative for all autoantibodies, 8 (7.0%) were positive for one autoantibody, 9 (7.8%) for two autoantibodies, and 1 (0.9%) for three autoantibodies. Multiple autoantibody positivity rate was 8.7% (10/115). Seven positive cases were from Buenos Aires and three from Santa Fe. Mean age of multiple autoantibody-positive participants was 10.6 years (range 4-18 years, 60% female).
Conclusions
Limited data exists regarding T1D-associated autoantibodies in at-risk Argentine populations. International evidence indicates 5% T1D prevalence among FDR by age 20, while a recent Córdoba study reported 3.8% multiple autoantibody positivity in pediatric FDR. Our 8.7% positivity rate underscores the importance of systematic screening in at-risk populations for early detection and preventive strategies.