Raising Awareness: Free Type 1 Diabetes Screenings Held at Petco Park

Expanded Diabetes Screening Efforts at Petco Park

On August 1, 2026, a significant health initiative unfolded at Petco Park, where Beyond Type 1, in collaboration with the San Diego Padres and the King of the Hill Foundation, offered free Type 1 diabetes (T1D) risk screenings. This community event, called the No Curveballs Rally for Type 1 Diabetes Early Detection, attracted over 800 participants, marking a pivotal moment in expanding diabetes awareness and early detection.

The No Curveballs Rally aimed to bridge gaps in Type 1 diabetes awareness and education. Many families are blindsided by a T1D diagnosis, often occurring during a medical crisis. This initiative seeks to change that narrative by providing crucial information about risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early screening. The screening process included a simple blood test to check for diabetes-related autoantibodies, allowing participants to ascertain their risk of developing T1D before any symptoms manifest. Those screened can expect to receive their results in approximately four to six weeks, along with educational materials from Beyond Type 1 to guide them on the next steps.

Jae Trevits, President of Beyond Type 1, emphasized the need for this initiative by highlighting the alarming statistic that too many families encounter T1D diagnoses only in dire situations. He stated, "We want to make information about risk, symptoms, and screening easier to access." The No Curveballs Rally exemplifies Beyond Type 1's commitment to moving from mere awareness to actionable insights.

Additionally, the event served as a platform for a panel discussion aimed at sharing personal experiences related to living with diabetes. Esteemed Padres pitcher Michael King, along with his wife Sheila King, co-founder of the King of the Hill Foundation, and other Padres players, participated in an engaging conversation about their journeys with T1D. They emphasized the impact of early awareness, showcasing how understanding the condition can lead to timely responses and better outcomes for families.

In a survey conducted by Sanofi, findings indicated significant knowledge gaps around T1D risk within families having a genetic predisposition to the disease. The data revealed that more than one in four respondents were unaware of their or their child's potential risk. Encouragingly, after receiving information about their elevated risk, an impressive 85% of participants expressed a willingness to pursue screening. This statistic highlights the potency of education as a tool for empowerment.

Sheila King, who also shared her narrative about being diagnosed as an adult, stressed the need for welcoming spaces where families could seek information and support. "If one family leaves feeling more informed and prepared than we did, then this event was worth it," she remarked, reflecting the heartfelt motivation behind the event.

Despite the familial link being a substantial risk factor for T1D, it's crucial to note that nearly 90% of newly diagnosed individuals do not have a known family history. This underscores the necessity for wider awareness regarding symptoms and screening options.

Ultimately, Beyond Type 1, in partnership with the San Diego Padres and the King of the Hill Foundation, strives to ensure that family knowledge about Type 1 diabetes transcends awareness and leads to proactive measures. Through community events like the No Curveballs Rally, they work tirelessly to enhance education, access to early detection resources, and establish supportive networks throughout local areas. Families can find valuable information on T1D autoantibody screening at Beyond Type 1.

The collaborative efforts exemplified at Petco Park are paving the way for a more informed community, proactive in addressing the challenges of Type 1 diabetes head-on. By addressing misconceptions and encouraging early action, we can collectively work towards a healthier future for families affected by diabetes.