Pupils at River View Primary School, Salford, are working with Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust in an innovative research study to identify those at risk of developing type 1 diabetes. River View is the first school in the North West to welcome researchers from the ELSA study into school.
Children whose parents and guardians have agreed to the study had a simple finger stick blood test. Tests on the blood will then show if the children have any of four antibodies (protein markers found in the blood) for type 1 diabetes.
Identifying children at risk of developing the condition before they become unwell is important because it means treatment can be started sooner, children can have more frequent check-ups and they may be able to access promising new treatments.
The study is being conducted in Salford by researchers from Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust (NCA) – the first NHS Trust in Greater Manchester to have a community research team, making it easier and more convenient for local people to take part.
Lifelong impact
The team have previously attended dance classes and also visited the homes of children with additional needs to allow them to take part.
NCA Assistant Director of Nursing for Research and Innovation, Vikki O’Loughlin, said: “Diabetes is a serious condition that has lifelong impacts on a person’s health. This research helps families find out if their child is at risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The test is very quick and easy and if it does turn out to be positive, treatment can be started sooner.
“Most parents will be reassured to know that their child doesn’t have these antibodies but for around one in 100 whose child tests positive, they will need to have a further blood test at hospital. If that confirms there is a risk of developing type 1 diabetes, then families will be invited to an education session to help them understand what that will mean for their child.”
River View Teacher Amber Jones has type 1 diabetes herself and is championing the study at the school. She said: “As a person living with type 1 diabetes, I am deeply moved to be part of such groundbreaking research. Diagnosed at 20, my life was altered in significant ways. If this study had been available before I was diagnosed, it would have equipped me to navigate crucial lifestyle adjustments such as mastering technology, carbohydrate counting, and understanding insulin ratios – amongst the many other adjustments that come with a T1D diagnosis. While this condition is lifelong, it can be managed effectively with the right care, support, and knowledge. This research empowers children and their parents, giving them the tools they need for a strong start. I’m incredibly passionate about this cause and grateful to the research team for including me in this vital work.”
Exciting project
River View Head Teacher Mr Daniel Gauld said: “We are delighted to be working with Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust on this project. The take up is small at this stage but we believe that early diagnosis could make such a difference to our children. It’s all thanks to our teacher Miss Jones, who put us in touch with this exciting project. It’s lovely that her first-hand experience has increased our awareness and if our children and parents can benefit this will be great.”
Councillor Jim Cammell, Lead Member for Children’s and Young People’s Services at Salford City Council, said: “We are delighted that the pupils of River View Primary School are participating in this innovative research study. Diabetes has a major impact on the lives of the people who have the condition, and their families and so by detecting the condition as soon as possible the treatment and support that is needed to manage diabetes can be introduced and enable patients to have a normal, fulfilling lifestyle.”
The ELSA study is led by the University of Birmingham and funded by Diabetes UK and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.