“Early diagnosis is a great resource for medicine and will be even more so with the extension it can have with artificial intelligence. Let’s think about the value it can have for diabetes, for example. The recent law 130/2023 provides the launch of a national diagnostic program in the pediatric population for the identification of type 1 diabetes and celiac disease. How can this program be fully implemented? of the people to be examined for childhood and adolescence it is necessary to carry out these examinations at school”. This is the proposal launched by pediatrician Italo Farnetani, who has always been convinced of the ‘power of the benches’ in the field of prevention, a few days before World Diabetes Day which is celebrated on Thursday 14 November.
For the expert, while waiting for AI to express its full potential on this front, proposing health initiatives through schools is a key to success in reaching as many families as possible. So much so that the white coat had also launched an appeal in this sense for the anti-Covid vaccination at the time of the pandemic, recalling some previous examples: above all the anti-rubella vaccination, which until the mid-eighties was done at school and ” This resulted in a response rate of over 90%.” While when parents have to take action, book, move “it doesn’t reach 40%”. The same ‘boost’ effect could be had on diabetes screening by introducing it into schools, he assures Adnkronos Salute.
Farnetani will address the topic of early diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus as part of a conference organized in Sicily by the Rotary Club of Mazara del Vallo, the provincial health authority of Trapani and the Association of hospital volunteers of Mazara del Vallo, on the occasion of Diabetes Day. “If I were asked to play the tower game, early diagnosis would be the last element I would throw away – reiterates the expert – It is fundamental. However, to make the timely recognition of type 1 diabetes effective, an alliance between minor, parents, teachers, pediatrician, diabetologist”, lists.
“With respect to the possibility of carrying out screening by the pediatrician or family doctor, it should be remembered that in certain geographical areas there is a share of up to 10% of the pediatric population who never sees the pediatrician. There could therefore remain gaps in the pool of patients to be screened”, reflects Farnetani, who is a full professor of paediatrics at the Ludes-United Campus of Malta University.
The expert also launches an appeal to parents and adults who live around children and adolescents: “Try to identify any ‘warning lights’ – he suggests – symptoms that may suggest type 1 diabetes, warning signs. For example, if a a child or adolescent quickly begins to eat much more than usual and lose weight, or to pee more often and start wetting the bed again at night, if he or she begins to feel listless, tired, or drowsy during the day of these symptoms it is advisable for parents to promptly consult the pediatrician, the doctor. After this visit it may be necessary to consult a diabetologist”. In the same way, for Farnetani “the role of the school and the collaboration with the teachers is important: they too may notice different behaviors compared to previous months – if the student is tired or often asks to go to the bathroom, often drinks during lessons or at at mid-morning snack time he eats voraciously. Signs that should be reported to his parents.”
“The search for the presence of type 1 diabetes antibodies in the blood as a mass screening is truly strategic. The sooner the diagnosis is made, the sooner insulin can be given, guaranteeing the body an always sufficient supply. It is important and appropriate to do a early diagnosis” for this disease “also because in up to 40% of cases it is discovered that the child or adolescent, but in some cases also the adult, has type 1 diabetes mellitus when a crisis of ketoacidosis occurs diabetic requiring urgent hospitalization and which is life-threatening.”
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Italo Farnetani, Pediatrician and Expert in Early Diabetes Diagnosis
Time.news Editor (E): Welcome, Dr. Farnetani! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today as we approach World Diabetes Day. Your work on the early diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is incredibly important. Can you start by explaining the significance of early diagnosis for diseases like diabetes?
Dr. Italo Farnetani (F): Thank you for having me. Early diagnosis is indeed a powerful tool in medicine. For diseases such as type 1 diabetes, catching the condition early can significantly improve outcomes. It allows for timely interventions and management strategies that can prevent severe complications later in life.
E: Your recent advocacy for a national diagnostic program, particularly within schools, is quite intriguing. Can you elaborate on how you envision this program being implemented?
F: Absolutely. The new law 130/2023 is a major step forward. I believe that schools provide the best environment for screening initiatives. By integrating diabetes screening into the school health program, we can reach a vast number of children and adolescents with minimal resistance from families. Historically, when vaccinations were done in schools, we saw participation rates soar above 90%. It’s a model that can work wonders for diabetes as well.
E: That’s an interesting point! You mentioned that many parents might not prioritize taking their children for screenings. What do you think is the underlying issue there?
F: It often comes down to convenience. When parents must book appointments, find time away from work, and travel, participation drops significantly—sometimes below 40%. Schools provide an accessible platform where screenings can be part of regular health checks. It’s about removing barriers to care, which is essential for improving health outcomes.
E: You also highlighted the importance of collaboration between various stakeholders in this process. What does that alliance look like in practice?
F: Collaboration is crucial. We need to unite pediatricians, endocrinologists, parents, teachers, and even the children themselves. This multi-faceted approach allows for a more holistic strategy in identifying at-risk individuals early on. When everyone works together, we can create a system that supports awareness, education, and ultimately prevention of severe diabetes complications.
E: Addressing healthcare gaps is another concern you raised. You mentioned that up to 10% of pediatric populations in some areas never see a pediatrician. How can we tackle this issue?
F: This is a significant challenge. We must leverage technology and community health initiatives to reach these children. Telemedicine, local health fairs, and educational campaigns can help bridge these gaps. Additionally, involving local schools can ensure that we capture those who might otherwise slip through the cracks.
E: Looking to the future, how do you see artificial intelligence playing a role in early diagnosis and management of diabetes?
F: AI has the potential to revolutionize early diagnosis by identifying patterns and risk factors that may not be evident to human practitioners alone. It can enhance screening processes and even assist in the ongoing management of diabetes by providing real-time data analysis to tailor individual treatment plans. However, we need to ensure that its application is ethical and equitable to truly benefit all populations.
E: That sounds promising! As we wrap up, what message would you like to convey to parents and educators as we commemorate World Diabetes Day?
F: My message is clear: early diagnosis saves lives. Let’s work collaboratively to bring diabetes screening into schools. Together, we can break down barriers, spread awareness, and create a healthier future for our children. It’s a collective effort, and we all have a role to play.
E: Thank you, Dr. Farnetani, for sharing your insights with us today. Your advocacy for early diagnosis and a proactive approach to health in schools is inspiring. We look forward to your continued work in this vital area!
F: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to discuss these important issues with you.