Researchers calling on relatives of type 1 diabetes patients

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Diabetes Center are calling on relatives of people with type 1 diabetes to help in the search for ways to prevent or delay the disease.

They're seeking anyone between the ages of 1 and 45 years with a sibling, child or parent with type 1 diabetes or anyone between the ages of 1 and 20 with a sibling, child, parent, cousin, uncle, aunt, niece, nephew, grandparent or half-sibling with type 1 diabetes.

Interested relatives are asked to complete a screening consisting of a web questionnaire and blood test.  The screening will help identify people who may qualify to take part in studies at U-M or other sites.

The research is part of Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet, a National Institutes of Health-funded long-term international collaboration.

"For people with type 1 diabetes, the importance of early diagnosis cannot be overstated," said Dr. Massimo Pietropaolo, the principal investigator of U-M's participation in TrialNet. "We hope that individuals who have seen the impact of type 1 diabetes in their relatives will join with us on this effort."

To learn more about the research or to participate in the screening, click here.