Detecting type 1 diabetes in children early
Sanford Health has made a strong commitment to studying, preventing and curing type 1 diabetes (T1D). Building off the successful PLEDGE Pediatric Screening Study, Sanford Health is now offering free T1D screenings to children.
Screening can identify children who are at risk for developing T1D. Early detection and ongoing monitoring means kids can start treatment early to prevent serious illness from forming.
Who can be screened?
Children can join who:
- Are 2-3, 5-7 or 9-11 years old
- Do not have T1D
Children who have a close family member with T1D may be eligible for more frequent screenings. Contact a member of our team with questions by calling (605) 312-3309.
How can I sign up my child for a T1D screening?
Parents can enroll their child for screening through My Sanford Chart, their primary care provider or by calling (605) 312-3309.
Collecting a screening sample
Any Sanford Laboratories location can collect a T1D screening sample. A small amount of blood from a finger or arm will be needed.
See results in My Sanford Chart
Screening results may take up to two months to appear in your My Sanford Chart account. If your child tests positive for type 1 diabetes antibodies, our T1D screening program team will contact you and your child’s primary care provider to discuss options for monitoring or intervention.
How PLEDGE Works
Enroll through My Sanford Chart
Give permission for your child to participate in the study and provide access to their medical records.
Visit your Sanford Clinic Lab
A small amount of blood is collected up to three times with other routine blood draws or any other time it is convenient for your family.
See Results in My Sanford Chart
If your child screens positive for T1D or Celiac antibodies, our study team will contact you and your child’s primary care provider to discuss options for monitoring or intervention.
Learn More
Your child’s next steps after a positive result from a screening
If your child tests positive for T1D antibodies, our team will follow up with you to make sure your child gets the care they need.
PLEDGE Stories
Sanford PLEDGE Study reaches enrollment milestone
The Sanford PLEDGE Study, launched in 2020 by Sanford Research with Helmsley Charitable Trust funding, has enrolled 10,000 children to screen for early risk of type 1 diabetes and celiac disease using a blood test.
Sanford Health receives grant to enhance PLEDGE Study
Sanford Health, the nation’s largest rural health system, has received new funding to expand its PLEDGE Study, which uses a routine blood test in pediatric care to detect early risk of type 1 diabetes and celiac disease.
Minnesota boy one of first to receive new diabetes treatment
For the 14th straight day, Joseph Rubash is headed to a hospital room at Sanford Bemidji. He is an 11-year-old boy who brightens the day of every person who comes in contact with him.
Early diabetes detection prevents serious illness in toddler
PLEDGE study helped 2-year-old with type 1 diabetes diagnosis before any symptoms.
Sanford Health’s T1D screening program is offered through the Sanford Virtual Care Center and proudly supported by
