Capillary OGTT study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A study to determine a capillary alternative to the gold standard oral glucose tolerance test
IRAS ID
325959
Contact name
Rachel Besser
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 28 days
Research summary
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic condition of childhood, affecting 1 in 490 children under the age of 15 years. It is caused by the immune system damaging the pancreas, the organ which makes insulin, and impacts every aspect of a person’s life. T1D has recognised stages before symptoms develop, providing an opportunity for early diagnosis, education and treatment which may delay the onset of symptoms. Early diagnosis often relies on a test called the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), which is commonly used but not well tolerated, possibly because it requires a drip inserted into the vein, and several blood samples taken over 2-3 hours in a healthcare setting.
Our study aims to test whether we can do an OGTT using a finger-prick to test glucose, at home. We call this the ‘GTT@home’. The finger-prick creates a drop of blood, which is done before and two hours after drinking a sugary drink.
We will assess the accuracy of the finger-prick blood test when measuring glucose levels in children; how well it works when used at home, and how acceptable it is. We plan to recruit 90 children and young people, across two cohorts to assess the GTT@home.Cohort 1 will assess the accuracy of measuring glucose from a finger-prick blood test when compared to a blood test from the vein. We will recruit individuals who are having an OGTT as part of a research study, for clinical care or if they have agreed to have an OGTT for this study.
Cohort 2 will assess how well the GTT@home test works when done at home and how acceptable it is. This will only be offered to those known to be at risk of T1D.
These studies will help us understand whether the GTT@home can be used in routine care.
REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/WM/0184
Date of REC Opinion
21 Sep 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion