Screening children for Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic health condition that puts heavy demands on those living with diabetes and their families. T1D does not develop suddenly. It starts long before symptoms of high blood sugars begin and before diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening complication. Two tests, a genetic risk score and diabetes-related antibodies, can indicate that someone has a higher risk of developing T1D. Research has shown that close follow up of those at risk can find early blood sugar changes and prevent DKA. A screening program for the general population offers the potential to find and follow those who maybe at risk for developing T1D. A national screening network called CanScreenT1D, will be developed together with members of the general public, those living with diabetes and their families, health providers and other experts. The consortium will explore key research questions about a screening program for T1D in the general population in Canada. It will study different screening and follow up approaches. CanScreenT1D will also test the effectiveness of education and follow-up of people found to be at risk for T1D. It will study the best ways for the screening program to work within the health care system. Participants who are at risk will be connected to research and follow up sites across Canada. Lastly, this network will support trials of therapies for the early stages of T1D. CanScreenT1D has put together a collaborative group of children and adult diabetes doctors, geneticists and counsellors, newborn screeners, researchers, local and international advisory groups, policy makers and person(s) with lived T1D experience, across Canada to successfully reach the goals of this network.
For details:
https://webapps.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/decisions/p/project_details.html?applId=480599&lang=en
Co-Investigators
Diane Wherrett
Sasha Delorme
Pranesh Chakraborty
Robin Hayeems
Monika Kastner
Audrey L’Espérance
Manousaki Despoina
Ashish Marwaha
Jonathan McGavock
Conrad Pow
Peter Senior
Albert Tsui
Bruce Verchere
Holly Witteman