T1DRA follow-up samples
We predict that approximately 0.5-0.7%% of adults in the general population will have two or more islet autoantibodies and be “at risk” of developing type 1 diabetes in the future.
If you are identified as someone who has risk markers in their blood we will request further samples from you to monitor your markers and help with our research. Sample may include:
Mouth swab sample: We use the mouth swab sample to extract DNA for genetic testing. We do not report this back to you as it is used for population trends and isn’t diagnostically relevant to an individual.
Urine sample: We use urine to test for C-peptide. C-peptide a protein that is produced and released by the pancreas as a result of natural insulin production. Measuring the levels of C-peptide in urine collected 2 hours after a big meal gives us a good indication of how much insulin the pancreas is producing. People who have had type 1 diabetes for a while often have no detectable C-peptide in their urine, showing their pancreas is no longer producing insulin.
Finger prick blood sample into a purple top tube (EDTA): This sample is used to measure glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) which shows your average blood glucose levels over the last two to three months. Higher than normal levels can be the first indication that your pancreas is struggling to produce enough insulin to turn your blood glucose into energy. We will inform you if your HbA1c result is above the normal range so that you can inform your GP.
Finger prick blood sample into a brown top tube – yearly repeat for autoantibody tests: We will send repeat of the original finger prick kit once a year to monitor the autoantibodies in your blood. We will inform you of the result and give you more information if the number of antibodies has changed.
ARAD – At Risk of Autoimmune Diabetes
If you have consented to find out about other studies, we will send information about our sister study ARAD – At Risk of Autoimmune Diabetes study. This research study provides follow-up and monitoring in a similar way to T1DRA, but it offers participants the opportunity help with more in-depth research by volunteering other samples and larger blood samples for research. To find out more please visit : arad.bristol.ac.uk
If agreed, participants in both T1DRA and ARAD will be made aware of other studies or intervention trials that they may be eligible to join.
Thank you to our funders and all who have helped to develop this study.