World-renowned diabetes research institute offers free antibody testing as part of National Diabetes Awareness Month to advance early detection and prevention.
November 14 is World Diabetes Day, a global call to action to raise awareness and improve outcomes for people affected by diabetes. On this important day, Sansum Diabetes Research Institute (SDRI)—a leader in diabetes research and innovation—reaffirms its mission to create a future with better treatments, earlier interventions, and healthier lives.
As part of National Diabetes Awareness Month, SDRI will host a free diabetes antibody screening clinic on Friday, November 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 5425 Hollister Avenue, Suite 230, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. The event is part of SDRI’s Screen and Treat Program, a pioneering initiative designed to identify individuals at risk for developing type 1 diabetes.
Thanks to advances in research, type 1 diabetes can be detected years before symptoms appear, or insulin therapy is required. Through partnerships with Breakthrough T1D and Sanofi, SDRI provides education, resources, and support to help individuals understand the benefits of early screening. Detecting type 1 diabetes in its earliest stages not only improves health outcomes but also gives researchers vital insights to advance studies aimed at delaying disease onset.
“Early detection is critical,” said Dr. Swati Elchuri, Pediatric Endocrinologist at SDRI. “Identifying type 1 diabetes in its earliest stages allows us to connect individuals with monitoring and care programs that improve long-term outcomes and significantly reduce the risk of serious complications.”
Clinical research is at the heart of SDRI’s mission—transforming science into real-world solutions for people living with diabetes. From pioneering automated insulin delivery systems to improving care for women with diabetes during pregnancy, SDRI’s research continues to shape the future of diabetes care. Findings are regularly published in top medical journals and presented at international scientific meetings, contributing to the global dialogue on diabetes prevention and treatment.
“World Diabetes Day is a powerful reminder of why diabetes research, education, and collaboration matter,” said Elizabeth Thompson, CEO of SDRI. “Our vision is a healthier future for everyone impacted by diabetes—and we’re proud to drive that progress right here in Santa Barbara.”
The Screen and Treat Program is open to individuals with a family history of type 1 diabetes or other autoimmune diseases, though anyone interested in learning about their risk is encouraged to participate. The screening involves a simple blood test that checks diabetes-related autoantibodies—markers that can appear years before symptoms develop.