GPPAD follow-up study

Research summary

We will offer follow up to children who were found to be at high genetic risk of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in an earlier research study called INGRID. The INGRID study tested for the genetic risk of T1D in newborns. Children at the highest genetic risk were offered entry into trials (POInT, SINT1A) which aimed to delay the onset of T1D. Here, we offer follow up to the children who completed POInT or SINT1A but who have not yet developed clinical T1D. We will offer testing for markers in the blood called T1D antibodies. If one of these autoantibodies is present this suggests a child is at risk of T1D, but the majority will not develop T1D. However, if 2 antibodies are confirmed this indicates a child is already in the early stages of T1D. Children at risk of T1D are also at risk of other autoimmune disease like coeliac disease and thyroid disease so we will also test for markers of these every 12 months. For children with a high genetic risk for T1D but who do not currently have T1D antibodies, their T1D antibodies will be checked in the blood every 12 months. For those with a single T1D antibody, we will recheck the T1D antibodies in the blood along with glucose measures every 12 months. For those with 2 or more T1D antibodies, we will offer blood glucose checks every 3-12 months, depending on whether the blood glucose levels are normal or elevated. We will also provide home blood glucose meters to all children with T1D antibodies so that parents can test their child' blood glucose regularly at home. They will also be offered an education program on what the diagnosis of 'antibody positive' means, signs and symptoms of T1D, and how to use the glucose monitor.

Principal Investigator

Dr Rachel Besser

Contact us

Email: childrensresearch@ouh.nhs.uk

IRAS number

363703