Exploring Screening Central - the first telehealth-enabled platform to request T1D screening - with Mariano Bendersky

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) can happen to anyone, at any age, regardless of family history. Unfortunately, up to 40% of people have no idea they have T1D until they experience a life-threatening event that requires hospitalization.
However, this isn’t the only path; T1D autoantibody screening can spot symptoms early and reduce the risk of dangerous complications of the disease. And yet, many people are unaware that it is even an option.
In an effort to bridge these longstanding divides and help provide a more comprehensive and convenient solution for every step of the T1D screening process, Sanofi recently launched Screening Central – the first telehealth-enabled, user-initiated platform to request T1D autoantibody screening.
Overcoming Barriers to T1D screening
“For too long, T1D screening has been uncommon due to a lack of awareness and perceived barriers preventing access,” says Mariano Bendersky, Head of Digital Healthcare & Innovation, US Autoimmune T1D, Sanofi. “But these gaps have consequences. In fact, an unexpected T1D diagnosis can have significant impacts on individuals and their families, which is why we’re working to break down barriers that prevent people from screening before their symptoms begin.”
This starts with education. According to “The Cost of Not Knowing” survey from leading patient advocacy organization Beyond Type 1 and commissioned by Sanofi, 72% of adults with T1D who did not screen say they were unaware that a T1D autoantibody test was even available. Among those who were aware, 84% said certain barriers prevented them from screening. Survey findings and methodology can be found here.
The national launch of Screening Central aims to alleviate common roadblocks and provide more clarity around when, where, and how to get screened for T1D. The platform provides online access to telehealth providers who can independently assess your needs and offers information on options for screening – whether that’s an at-home kit, lab test, or doctor visit.
“Screening Central was created to enable consumers to take charge of their health, leveraging innovative digital solutions to support each step of the T1D screening process,” Bendersky adds.
Tapping Into the Digital Age
As our world becomes increasingly digital, telehealth options can help remove common barriers to care, and in this case, give people access to tools that can help identify crucial information about their T1D risk. This comes as US consumers are increasingly taking more control of their health: in 2024, 58% said they were prioritizing wellness more than they did a year prior. That said, barriers like cost, access, and lack of time can hinder one’s ability to put their health first; Screening Central was designed to mitigate these limitations and expand consumer choice.
“Individuals today have different lifestyles and personal preferences when it comes to their health,” adds Bendersky. “Screening Central aims to meet people where they are and highlight the varied screening options that they can discuss with their telehealth provider.”
Understanding How Screening Central Works
Sanofi created Screening Central with the goal of demystifying the T1D screening process and providing end-to-end support at every step of the way. We understand that it can feel daunting to know where to start, which is why Screening Central breaks down the process into three steps:
- Getting Started: To start, visit Screening Central and answer a short health history questionnaire.
- Getting Evaluated for Testing: From there, your information will be evaluated by a healthcare provider, who will determine whether you are an appropriate candidate for screening. If confirmed, you can decide what your preferred screening method is, which could be with an at-home collection kit or by visiting a local lab.
- Getting Your Results: After that, you will receive a phone call or arrange a televisit to discuss results or you can choose to have results shared directly with your doctor.
In addition to Screening Central, there are other options for screening, including:
- Doctor's Office or Lab: You can get screened at a doctor's office or lab like Labcorp or Quest Diagnostics.
- Autoimmunity screening via ASK: US residents can order at-home screening kits online. Residents of Colorado can also get kits at certain screening locations.
- Online ordering: At-home screening kits can be ordered by your doctor from vendors like Enable Biosciences.
- TrialNet: Screening can take place at TrialNet locations, events, or health fairs.
- QuestHealth.com: You can directly request a Type 1 Diabetes Autoantibody Screening Test.
These are not all of the screening options available. It's important to talk to your doctor about the best screening option for you. Inclusion in this list does not imply the endorsement of Sanofi.