The Fluorescence of Nail and Hair Samples for Diabetes Control
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Measuring the Fluorescence of Human Nail Clippings and Hair Samples as a Means of Monitoring Diabetes Control
IRAS ID
302604
Contact name
Shareen Forbes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 3 days
Research summary
Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic, progressive disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. In 2014, there were 408 million people with diabetes, and as one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, the impact of diabetes in global heath is huge. Diabetes is known to lead to long-term complications, both microvascular and cardiovascular, and studies have confirmed the relationship between these complications, and high levels of glycated proteins. Detecting the presence of these glycated proteins therefore could offer an alternative method for monitoring glycaemic control in patients with diabetes.
This study aims to establish if there is a correlation between nail fluorescence and other markers of glycaemic control, such as HbA1c, in patients with diabetes. If such a correlation is found, this could be important in terms of a new, non-invasive technique that could be used to monitor glycaemic control in patients. It also has the potential to be a remote test, with the patient sending nail clippings away for testing, rather than attending clinics. This has particular relevance just now, when face-to-face contact for at-risk patient groups should be limited.
All adults would be eligible for this study, both those with diabetes and those with normal glycaemic control. Each participant will donate nail clippings, which will be transferred to the physics laboratories at the University of Strathclyde, where fluorescence emission and excitation spectra, and fluorescence decay will be measured. If the participant is willing, they can also donate some hair, and the same measurements will be performed on this sample. Hair contains the same protein as nails, keratin, and so could offer another source of this glycated protein which could be measured. The most recent HbA1c reading from the patients with diabetes will be used to try and establish a correlation.
The study will be carried out across 2-3 months, depending on how quickly the nail samples can be collected.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/YH/0215
Date of REC Opinion
2 Sep 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion