Children's Diabetes and Bone Study (C-DaB). Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The impact of Type I Diabetes Mellitus on skeletal integrity and strength in affected children – a pilot study
IRAS ID
185523
Contact name
Paul Dimitri
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Childrens NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Studies in adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) demonstrate that they are at significant risk of low bone mass, premature osteoporosis and fractures. Most studies performed have looked at the effects of T1DM on the adult skeleton. However, the onset of T1DM is usually during childhood and adolescence; a period of peak bone development. Thus the skeletal changes that result in an increased risk of fracture and osteoporosis may have developed in childhood.
The majority of studies assessing the skeleton in children with T1DM have only evaluated changes in the bone mass. However, no studies to date have looked at how T1DM affects the detailed bone microstructure and strength. Hypothetically, these children may already have subtle changes on bone microstructure even before they have a reduction in their bone mass. These changes may be reversible and understanding these subtle changes will help us to develop and assess therapeutic interventions.
We possess a HRpQCT (High Resolution peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography) scanner that will allow us to look more closely at the bone architecture. HRpQCT scanning is able to provide 3D bone images up to a resolution of 0.08mm, enabling us to see very detailed structure of bone. By comparing children with T1DM with healthy children, we plan to assess changes in bone structure and assess the factors that may result in these changes such as diabetic control and age of onset of diabetes. We will also use the HRpQCT to assess bone strength using a process called microfinite element analysis; which will enable us to study the effects of alteration in bone architecture on the strength of the bone in children with T1DM. Our proposed pilot study will recruit 30 children with T1DM and 30 healthy controls to study the impact of T1DM on bone microarchitecture and strength.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/YH/0453
Date of REC Opinion
16 Dec 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion