Double diabetes and adverse clinical outcome

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Double diabetes and adverse clinical outcome: identification of mechanistic pathways

  • IRAS ID

    259072

  • Contact name

    Ramzi Ajjan

  • Contact email

    r.ajjan@leeds.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Leeds

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    3 years, 0 months, 0 days

  • Research summary

    Background
    There are two main types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. In type 1 diabetes (T1D) the body’s immune system attacks cells which produce insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar (glucose) levels. In type 2 diabetes (T2D), the body is still producing insulin but it is less effective due to the body resisting the action of the hormone, which is called insulin resistance (IR), commonly seen in people who are overweight.
    People with T1D are becoming more overweight than the general population and
    therefore, a large proportion can also develop features of T2D, giving rise to a
    condition that has been called “double diabetes”. Our data demonstrate that almost half of the T1D patients are overweight and this group showed increased diabetes complications.

    Aims
    Identify the reasons for the high risk of diabetes complications in overweight individuals with type 1 diabetes.

    Design and methods
    A simple observational study is proposed where individuals with type 1 diabetes are seen on two occasions with a single blood sample donated. A total of 150 patients aged 18-40 with type 1 diabetes will be recruited and divided into two groups according to their body mass index (BMI - a measure of being overweight.) Comprehensive assessment of blood sugars and activity levels will be taken for a two weeks period using two special machines worn by patients. The blood sample donated (up to 40 mls) on a single occasion will be used to conduct a number of tests to understand the reasons why those whom are overweight are at increased risk of complications. Quality of life assessment will also be taken using validated questionnaires.

  • REC name

    North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    19/NE/0349

  • Date of REC Opinion

    17 Nov 2019

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion