Participate in clinical studies

Our clinical studies

From time to time, the Endocrinology & Diabetes Unit offers its patients or their relatives the opportunity to participate in clinical research trials. These studies are always reviewed and approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Board of the University of British Columbia and the Child & Family Research Institute. At present, we are enrolling subjects for the following studies:

Diabetes-related studies:

Regulation of autoimmune (type 1) diabetes by natural killer cells
Direct visualization of self-reactive T cells in type 1 diabetes
Diabetes TrialNet: Natural history study of the development of type 1 diabetes

Healthy lifestyle studies and programs:

Healthy Buddies©: Children Teaching Children to “Go Move!”, “Go Fuel!” and “Go Feel Good!”

Regulation of autoimmune (type 1) diabetes by natural killer cells (top)

We are currently recruiting subjects more than 12 months of age with type 1 diabetes of greater than 6 months duration. The purpose of this study is to determine whether NK (natural killer) cells are decreased in their numbers and whether they are defective in people with type 1 diabetes, compared with people who don't have diabetes. Current evidence suggests that the main cells of the immune system that attack the beta cells, T-cells, are kept in check by natural killer (NK) cells. Other studies have suggested that NK cells in people with diabetes are defective. Understanding how NK cells are involved in preventing destruction of beta cells may help scientists develop new therapies and preventions for type 1 diabetes.

Interested participants are invited to provide a one-time blood sample (between 2–4 teaspoons depending on age).

If you are interested in participating, please contact Pamela Lutley, RN at 604-875-2345, local 6658 or pager 604-205-0151 for more information.

Direct visualization of self-reactive T cells in type 1 diabetes (top)

We are currently recruiting patients more than 12 months of age with type 1 diabetes diagnosed within the last 6 months. Type 1 diabetes develops when the body's own immune system attacks and ultimately destroys the beta cells in the pancreas. These beta cells are responsible for making insulin, which is required for regulating blood sugar levels. The underlying reason why the immune system attacks the pancreatic beta cells is unknown. The cells of the immune system that attack the beta cells are called T cells. Scientific studies in mice have shown that the autoreactive T cells recognize a protein (known as an epitope) on the beta cells. When T cells recognize a specific epitope on the beta cell, they attack the cell, leading to its destruction. It is hypothesized that similar beta cell epitopes in humans with type 1 diabetes are also recognized by T cells. The purpose of this study is to identify human beta cell epitopes that trigger harmful T cell responses. Determining the proteins that cause T-cells to attack and destroy the beta cells will help scientists develop new therapies, preventions and diagnostic tests for type 1 diabetes.

Interested participants are invited to provide a one-time blood sample (between 2–4 teaspoons depending on age).

If you are interested in participating, please contact Pamela Lutley, RN at 604-875-2345, local 6658 or pager 604-205-0151 for more information.

Diabetes TrialNet: Natural history study of the development of type 1 diabetes (top)

The Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet, an international research program, is screening relatives of people with type 1 diabetes to find out if these family members are at risk of developing diabetes. The screening test is the first phase of the TrialNet Natural History Study of the Development of Type 1 Diabetes. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT00097292).

Screening involves either one or two blood tests to see if diabetes-related autoantibodies are present. Autoantibodies are proteins made by the body's immune system which indicate that the cells in the pancreas that make insulin may be damaged. There is no cost to you for these screening tests. You will be notified of results within 4–6 weeks after your blood sample is received.

If your or your child's test shows evidence of autoantibodies, you have the option of volunteering to be monitored every 6 months for the development of type 1 diabetes.

To be eligible to participate, you must be between 1–45 years of age, and you must be a first-degree relative (sibling, parent or child) of a person with type 1 diabetes. You may also participate if you are 20 years of age or less and are a second-degree relative (niece, nephew, aunt, uncle, cousin, or half-siblings) of a person with type 1 diabetes.

For more information, please contact Susan Baynham at 604-875-2345, local 6658 or visit the TrialNet website.

Healthy Buddies™: Children Teaching Children to “Go Move!”, “Go Fuel!” and “Go Feel Good!” (top)

Healthy Buddies™: A Comprehensive School-Based Health Promotion Program empowers elementary school children to live healthier lives by providing them with knowledge about, as well as encouraging positive attitudes toward, the three components of health: physical activity, healthy eating and feeling good about oneself. In 2002/03 Dr. Jean-Pierre Chanoine and Dr. Sue Stock partnered with elementary school teachers from BC School District #46 (Sunshine Coast) to design, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a health-promotion program in which children helped children learn. The pilot study results showed significant improvement in body-mass index, blood pressure, and knowledge of nutrition and physical activity for both primary and intermediate students, compared to those of children in the control school. Through a Provincial Health Services Authority public health grant, Healthy Buddies™ was implemented in 40 schools across the province in 2006/07 and 2007/08 school years. The results of this study are currently being collected and analyzed.

To order the Healthy Buddies™ Program for your school, or to order the Healthy Buddies™ Program Games for your home or classroom, go to the C&W Bookstore website.

Page Last Updated: 24 June 2009

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PHSA improves the health of British Columbians by seeking province-wide solutions to specialized health care needs in collaboration with BC health authorities and other partners. For more information, visit http://www.phsa.ca

PHSA agencies include: BC Cancer Agency, BC Centre for Disease Control, BC Children’s Hospital and Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children, BC Mental Health & Addiction Services, BC Provincial Renal Agency, BC Transplant, BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre, and Cardiac Services BC.