Funded by Diabetes UK, innovative research has developed a diabetes risk score test which operates with higher efficacy for the diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes. Carried out by the University of Exeter and the Pacific Northwest Research Institute in Seattle, the new T1DGRS2 risk score test can be used to increase the accuracy of diabetes diagnoses. The test is capable of determining between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, as well predicting the development of Type 1 diabetes in later life.
The new research, has produced a test which is nearly twice as efficient in identifying the conditions in babies as existing methods.
For those who suffer from Type 1 diabetes, their body’s own immune system starts attacking beta-cells which are responsible for the production of insulin. However, this can occur up to several years before symptoms are perceivable, thus signifying the need for a predictive test such as the T1DGRS2. The new research, which relied on analysis of key regions of the genome of both afflicted participants and a control group, has produced a test which is nearly twice as efficient in identifying the conditions in babies as existing methods, which are far less advanced.
Anna Morris, Assistant Director of Research Strategy and Partnership at Diabetes UK has voiced her excitement for the research and her hopes that ‘In the future, this research could also open up new insights into what could be done to stop Type 1 diabetes from progressing’.