RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Capillary OGTT Study

This study aims to find simpler ways to check for diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2) in children and young people. Currently, doctors use a test called an OGTT, which involves giving blood samples from a vein in hospital after a sugary drink. This can be unpleasant. We're testing if a similar finger-prick test, done at home, or wearing a small sensor on the skin that continuously checks sugar levels, could work just as well. This could lead to earlier and easier diagnosis, allowing families to get support sooner and potentially delay the start of symptoms. We also want to hear from young people, parents, and healthcare staff about their experiences with these tests.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

135

Start

29 Feb 2024

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2027

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)Type 2 Diabetes

What is this study about?

This study is all about making it easier to spot diabetes early in children and young people. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Both are long-term conditions where the body has trouble managing sugar in the blood. For both types, finding them early can make a big difference – it can help families get the right support and even delay when symptoms start.

Currently, a common test for diabetes involves going to the hospital, having a sugary drink, and then giving several blood samples from a vein over a few hours. This can be quite uncomfortable and inconvenient. Our study wants to see if we can get the same important information using a much simpler method: a finger-prick test done at home, or by wearing a small device on the skin that continuously checks sugar levels, like newer gadgets many people already use.

We'll be working with about 90 children and young people. Some will help us compare the accuracy of the finger-prick test with the traditional vein blood test. Others who are at higher risk of developing Type 1 diabetes will try out the at-home finger-prick test to see how well it works and how easy it is to use. We'll also be asking young people, parents, and healthcare workers about their thoughts and experiences with these new ways of testing. This will help us understand if these easier tests could be used regularly in the future.

Key takeaways

Exploring easier ways to test for diabetes in young people.
Comparing finger-prick tests and skin sensors to traditional blood tests.
Aims to make early diabetes diagnosis more comfortable and practical.
Involves children and young people under 18 years old.
Contribution helps shape future diabetes testing methods.
Interviews will gather experiences from participants and parents.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for children and young people under 18 years old. You might be eligible if you're already having a diabetes test called an OGTT, or if you're willing to have one for the study. Some parts of the study are specifically for those who have a higher chance of developing Type 1 diabetes.

You won't be able to join if you have certain blood conditions, like haemoglobinopathy, or if you have diabetes related to cystic fibrosis. If you need to complete forms or discussions in English, you'll need to be able to speak the language. Also, if you already have diabetes and are on treatment, this specific study might not be suitable for you. We also need to be able to take your weight if you're in some of the groups.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you under 18 years old?
Can you or your parent/guardian give permission to take part?
Are you able to drink a sugary solution within 10 minutes?
Do you have a higher risk of developing Type 1 diabetes or are you already having a standard diabetes test?
Do you have any existing severe blood disorders or conditions like cystic fibrosis related diabetes?
Are you able to have discussions and complete forms in English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, what you do depends on which group you're in. You might be asked to have a traditional diabetes test (OGTT) where blood samples are taken from your arm. At the same time, we'll take some extra finger-prick blood samples to compare the results. Some participants, especially those with Type 1 diabetes, might also wear a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), which is a small sensor on the skin that checks sugar levels regularly. Other participants will do finger-prick tests at home after a sugary drink. We will also ask some young people, parents, and healthcare staff to take part in interviews to share their experiences with these tests.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is helping to find an easier and more comfortable way to test for diabetes in the future, which could lead to earlier diagnosis and support for many children and young people. Risks are generally small and include the usual discomfort from finger pricks or having blood taken from a vein, and possibly some irritation from wearing a CGM sensor. You are free to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (4)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Noah's Ark Childrens Hospital for Wales
Verified postcode
Cardiff, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Royal London Barts Health NHS Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Nottingham Childrens Hospital
Verified postcode
Nottingham, United Kingdom· Recruiting
John Radcliffe Hospital
Verified postcode
Oxford, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Type 1 diabetes?

It's a long-term condition where your body's immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in your pancreas that make insulin, a hormone vital for managing blood sugar.

What is Type 2 diabetes?

It's a long-term condition where your body either doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use insulin properly, often linked to lifestyle factors.

What is an OGTT?

It stands for Oral Glucose Tolerance Test. It's a hospital test where you drink a sugary drink, and then blood samples are taken over a few hours to see how your body handles sugar.

What is a finger-prick test?

It's a quick way to get a small drop of blood, usually from your fingertip, to measure your blood sugar level. You might do this at home.

What is a CGM?

It's a Continuous Glucose Monitor. It's a small sensor you wear on your skin that automatically checks and records your blood sugar levels throughout the day and night.

How to find out more

Rabbi Swaby, BMBS

rabbi.swaby@well.ox.ac.uk +44 1865287578 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.