A novel project called ADDRESS-2, is being launched. The aim of the project is to invite individuals who have been recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, as well as their siblings, to donate DNA and other information, this in turn will help investigators to understand how the disease operates as they carry out investigations to find a cure.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder triggered by environmental factors and can be passed down through generations. For individuals affected it can have major medical, financial and social consequences. Around the world the prevalence of the disease is increasing – not much is known as to why the condition develops.

Funded by Diabetes UK and Juvenile Diabetes Research, the project aims to establish a group of individuals who are aged between 5-60 years, who have been recently (within the previous 26 weeks) diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, as well as their siblings.

Diabetes Research Network, which assists commercial and academic investigators enroll NHS patients into investigations, will be supporting the study.

Those who participate will be requested to gather information regarding their health, families health, and demographics. Participants will also be asked to donate a blood sample, if they choose to, for auto-antibody examination, DNA extraction and storage, blood sample storage, and be willing to be contacted by their local project team regarding future investigations of type 1 diabetes.

Following this, the project will develop a national resource of individuals who can be contacted regarding participation in new type 1 diabetes trials or other research investigations. The investigators will have access to the data, DNA and blood samples for their research.

Karen Addington, Chief Executive of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) explained:

“In order for us to fund the best research, to understand the way the condition works, we are appealing for people newly diagnosed with type 1 to come forward and get involved in the ADDRESS Study. By agreeing to be contacted, you can play a valuable role in our search for the cure to this condition. JDRF is honored to be involved in this important initiative to encourage people with type 1 diabetes to get involved with research”

Dr Iain Frame, Diabetes UK Director of Research, commented:

“This is a huge opportunity for people with Type 1 diabetes to play their part in research that is piecing together the gaps in our knowledge and in our understanding of the condition. Please help us help you and help future generations of people diagnosed with this serious, life-long condition and take a step further to a future without diabetes”

Written by Grace Rattue