The ELSA study is exploring the feasibility and acceptability of a system for identifying children in the general population at risk of type 1 diabetes (T1D). The study aims to recruit over a 3 year study period, and will compare the feasibility of different community recruitment strategies including online and social media, general practices, childhood immunisation programmes, and schools.
Fingerprick antibody testing will be performed on 20,000 children aged 3-13years and children at risk will be further risk stratified with oral glucose challenge testing. All children testing positive for diabetes antibodies will be invited to an education session with their family, to be informed about the signs and symptoms of T1D, monitoring programmes available for long-term fellow-up, and trials their child may be eligible for to delay the onset of T1D.
Mixed-methods qualitative work including distress questionnaires and interviews with parents of children testing positive or negative for antibodies will be performed to assess acceptability.
Please see the attached flyers, Flyer 1 & Flyer 2 for details of how to become involved in the study and for more information please contact Beth Hinks, Research Facilitator NIHR Elizabeth.
