Quantifying Artificial Pancreas-related Changes in Diabetic Neuropathy
This study aims to understand if advanced insulin delivery methods, such as insulin pumps and an 'artificial pancreas' (also called Automated Insulin Delivery or AID), can help improve nerve damage (neuropathy) in people with type 1 diabetes. Neuropathy can cause problems like pain or foot ulcers. Current treatments mainly focus on managing blood sugar to prevent it from worsening. Researchers believe keeping blood sugar levels more stable with these new technologies might improve neuropathy symptoms and even help nerves recover. The study will compare people using these new devices with those using standard insulin injections to see if there are benefits, potentially leading to immediate improvements in care for some NHS patients.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When you have diabetes, especially type 1, sometimes your nerves can get damaged. This is called diabetic neuropathy. It can cause a lot of uncomfortable problems, like pain that's hard to control, or even lead to serious issues like foot ulcers and infections. At the moment, there aren't many treatments that can reverse this nerve damage. Doctors usually focus on keeping your blood sugar levels as steady as possible to stop it from getting worse.
However, new ways of giving insulin, like insulin pumps and a system called the 'artificial pancreas' (or Automated Insulin Delivery), are becoming more common for people with type 1 diabetes. These devices are much better at delivering insulin in a way that's like how a healthy body would, keeping blood sugar levels more stable. Previous small studies have hinted that these stable blood sugar levels might actually help with painful nerve damage.
This study wants to find out for sure if using these newer technologies makes a difference to nerve problems. They will compare people starting on a pump or artificial pancreas with those who continue using their usual multiple daily insulin injections. If the study finds that these newer devices do improve nerve damage or its symptoms, it could mean that more people with type 1 diabetes and neuropathy could benefit from them on the NHS, making a real difference to their quality of life.
Key takeaways
- New insulin technologies might improve nerve damage in type 1 diabetes.
- The study compares insulin pumps/artificial pancreas with standard injections.
- Good blood sugar control is key to managing nerve damage.
- Findings could make advanced diabetes care more accessible on the NHS.
- This research focuses on better nerve health and quality of life for patients.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults with type 1 diabetes, aged between 18 and 70. You could be considered if you are about to start using an 'artificial pancreas' system due to your medical needs, or if you're about to start using an insulin pump for similar reasons. The study is also open to people who are currently managing their diabetes with multiple daily insulin injections.
There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've had certain eye conditions or surgery that might affect the clear front part of your eye (the cornea), or if you have an eye infection or inflammation right now. You also wouldn't be able to join if your nerve damage is thought to be caused by other things, like heavy alcohol use, severe kidney problems requiring dialysis, certain infections like HIV, liver failure, or a lack of vitamin B12. You also need to be able to read and understand English to take part.
- Are you between 18 and 70 years old?
- Do you have type 1 diabetes?
- Are you about to start using an insulin pump or an 'artificial pancreas' system?
- Or, are you currently using multiple daily insulin injections?
- Can you read and understand English?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
Locations (1)
- Manchester Diabetes Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation TrustManchester, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is diabetic neuropathy?
It's nerve damage that can happen in people with diabetes, often causing pain, numbness, or tingling, especially in the feet and hands.
What is an 'artificial pancreas'?
It's a smart system that includes an insulin pump and a sensor, designed to automatically give you the right amount of insulin to keep your blood sugar levels stable.
Why might this study be important for people with diabetes?
If the study shows that pumps or artificial pancreas systems help with nerve damage, it could lead to more people getting access to these technologies to improve their symptoms and reduce complications.
Will I have to pay to be part of the study?
No, clinical trials usually cover any costs directly related to your participation in the study.
What does 'glycaemic control' mean?
It refers to how well your blood sugar levels are managed. Good glycaemic control means your blood sugar stays within a healthy range most of the time.
How to find out more
Mohammed Nazir
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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