Investigating the pathway of type 1 diabetes in childhood
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the prodrome of type 1 diabetes in childhood as it presents to Primary Care using SAIL and Brecon Group data to predict an earlier diagnosis to reduce ketoacidosis at presentation
IRAS ID
193168
Contact name
Julia Townson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
0444, IGRP approval
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
The aim of the research is to get a better understanding of the pathway to diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in childhood. By exploring the number and reason for children’s appointments with their GP, prior to being diagnosed with T1D, we may be able to develop ways to aid earlier diagnosis which ultimately will help to reduce the number of children who present seriously unwell with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a life threatening condition and the most common cause of hospitalisation and death in children with T1D. Sadly, children continue to die at presentation of T1D.
Current literature suggests that there is a missed window for diagnosis and that 25% of children are in DKA at onset of T1D. Studies have found that almost 30% of newly diagnosed children had at least one visit with a medical practitioner prior to diagnosis and almost half had a delayed referral to secondary care. This study will evaluate the number of appointments, symptoms and diagnostic tests prior to diagnosis of approximately 400 children with T1D. By modelling these data with a cohort of matched children without T1D, it will be possible to ascertain any significant differences between the two cohorts and potentially identify strategies for earlier diagnoses and prevention of DKA.
The data will be comprised by linking the SAIL Databank with the Brecon Group register. The SAIL analyst will anonymise the data so that no child can be identified and provide a matched group of children without T1D, at the ratio of 3:1. Detailed analysis of the two cohorts of children comparing details of GP consultations over the previous 12 months will be conducted. An exploration of any differences in GP consultations between those children who were in DKA at diagnosis and those who were not will also be undertaken.
REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/2054
Date of REC Opinion
24 Nov 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion