Stimulated glucagon as a biomarker of hypoglycaemia risk in T1D V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Stimulated glucagon as a biomarker of hypoglycaemia risk in Type 1 Diabetes
IRAS ID
319581
Contact name
Richard A Oram
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 28 days
Research summary
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results from destruction of insulin producing beta cells by the body’s own immune system (autoimmunity) causing an individual to lose the ability to make enough insulin to control their blood sugar levels and need to have insulin injections to lower blood glucose levels. Whilst high blood sugar level is a problem for people with Type 1 diabetes, taking insulin medication to lower sugar levels, delayed meals and exercise can all result in dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia). The biological causes of hypoglycaemia, and ways to prevent it are poorly understood. In non-diabetic individuals, a hormone called glucagon is secreted naturally to raise blood glucose levels but glucagon secretion is impaired during hypoglycaemia in individuals with T1D.
The aim of this work is to study the relationship between a glucagon stimulation test and risk of hypoglycaemia in T1D. It is hoped this research will establish whether this relationship could be used as a blood test and be a clinically useful biomarker of hypoglycaemia risk and, therefore, directly inform clinical care of people with T1D, particularly those with highest risk of hypoglycaemia.
REC name
London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/LO/0719
Date of REC Opinion
18 Oct 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion