An important element of this theme is the early diagnosis and treatment of Type 1 diabetes in children.
We are carrying out studies with other centres in the UK, such as the ITAD trial, to test whether new therapies can preserve insulin production in children and young adults newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, so delaying the onset of the disease and improving the long-term management of the condition.
We are also leading on a national programme to identify children at risk of developing T1D to prevent life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis. Dr Rachel Besser’s team has launched the first UK study in the general population to test for early markers of T1D before children develop symptoms or need insulin. The simple blood test is being offered when children have their pre-school vaccination.
We are also studying gut health in new-born babies to inform new strategies for prevent T1D at an early stage. We are studying the reliability and usability of transdermal blood collection devices for measuring C-peptide in children and adults with T1D, as well as evaluating closed-loop technologies, also known as an artificial pancreas, which continually monitors blood glucose and automatically adjusts the amount of insulin given through a pump.