Type 1 Diabetes Screening for Children (PLEDGE)

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Detecting type 1 diabetes in children early

Sanford Health has made a strong commitment to studying, preventing and curing type 1 diabetes (T1D). The Sanford PLEDGE study is a large-scale screening of children for T1D and celiac disease.

Through PLEDGE, we hope to find better ways to identify which children may be at risk of developing these diseases. Early detection and ongoing monitoring means kids could start treatment early enough to prevent serious illness.

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Who can Join the PLEDGE Study?

Children who:

  • Are ages 0-5 or ages 9-16
  • Do not have T1D
  • Receive routine care at Sanford Health
  • Have a My Sanford Chart account

Children ages 6 to 17 who have a sibling with T1D or T1D antibodies may also join the study.

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.

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15,479
Patients enrolled

104
Patients monitored for T1D antibodies

87
Patients referred to GI for positive celiac antibodies


Learn More

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Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease that can cause serious health issues.

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A mother holding her son while smiling at him

Celiac Disease

The PLEDGE study aims to help children with celiac disease get care sooner through early detection. Read more about the disease and its symptoms.

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PLEDGE Stories

Young girl in front of Sanford Children's Castle

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.

Read more

A young girl at the doctors office with a doctor looking her over and her mother watching

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.

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Joseph Rubash, 11, is just the second patient in the U.S. to be treated with a new drug called teplizumab (Tzield)

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.

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Young boy pricking finger for early type 1 diabetes and celiac disease.

Early diabetes detection prevents serious illness in toddler

PLEDGE study helped 2-year-old with type 1 diabetes diagnosis before any symptoms.

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Sanford Health’s T1D screening program is offered through the Sanford Virtual Care Center and proudly supported by