Resources to Support Families Navigating Early-Stage Type 1 Diabetes

Background: Advances in understanding of type 1 diabetes (T1D) natural history have enabled screening for islet autoantibodies and the detection of pre-symptomatic, or early-stage T1D prior to clinical presentation and the need for insulin replacement therapy. As screening programs expand, increasing numbers of children are being identified with early-stage T1D and report a need for relevant, accessible, evidence-based educational resources and support. Rapid translation from research into clinical care means many healthcare professionals currently lack guidance on which resources to recommend. To date, no review has systematically identified and evaluated educational resources for families navigating early-stage T1D. Objectives: This scoping review aims to: (1) systematically identify and evaluate publicly available educational resources for early-stage T1D, (2) assess their readability, understandability, quality, and credibility, (3) identify gaps for further resource development. Methods: A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed and grey literature databases (MEDLINE, Google, professional organizations, advocacy groups, research consortiums, and screening programs) will be conducted to identify English-language resources (factsheets, websites, videos, infographics). Eligible resources will undergo structured assessment using validated tools for readability, understandability, information quality, and credibility. Results: Expected outcomes include a PRISMA flowchart, statistical analyses, quality assessment outcomes, mapping to community needs, a community-endorsed resource inventory, and recommendations for future resource development. The review will begin in February 2026, with completion expected by July 2026. Conclusions: This will be the first scoping review to systematically compile and appraise educational resources for early-stage T1D. The review will provide a template for identifying priorities for future resource development.