While the cause of type 1 diabetes
is not yet known, researchers know that some people
have a higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes.
People who are more "at risk" have genes
that can be identified by a simple blood test. By
identifying the people who are at risk of developing
type 1 diabetes, researchers hope to learn what causes
the disease and thus, discover how to prevent type
1 diabetes.
The PANDA Study (Prospective Assessment
in Newborns for Diabetes Autoimmunity) identifies
newborns and infants who have the genetic and immunological
“markers” that indicate risk for developing
type 1 diabetes. PANDA seeks to 1) determine the risk
of someone subsequently developing type 1 diabetes,
2) understand the mechanisms leading to the disease
and 3) develop a prevention therapy to stop type 1
diabetes from occurring.
The PANDA Study provides:
- Genetic screening to any infant
or child whose parents are interested in knowing
their child’s genetic risk of developing type
1 diabetes.
There is no cost for the screening
tests.
There are two parts to the PANDA Study:
Part One is a screening
test to determine the genetic risk of developing type
1 diabetes. A few drops of blood are placed on a special
filter paper and then analyzed. Parents or the child’s
pediatrician can do a simple heel or finger stick
to obtain the blood sample.
Part Two is a screening
test to determine if antibodies and immunological
factors are present. This test is available to children
who were identified (in Stage One) as being at risk
and their relatives, and to relatives of people who
have type 1 diabetes. Two or three teaspoons of blood
are drawn from a vein (usually in the arm) and analyzed
to determine if antibodies – those that indicate
the destruction of the insulin-producing cells in
the pancreas – are present.
The PANDA Study, conducted jointly
by the University of Florida and the Medical College
of Georgia, is funded by the National Institutes of
Health.
For more information about the PANDA
Study, call (352) 334-0857, toll free (800) 749-7424,
dial 1, extension 334-0857 or extension 334-0842. |
