What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes is a life-long disease that affects children and adults. It occurs when the body attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Type 1 diabetes generally develops before age 40, and people with type 1 diabetes take insulin injections (shots) to control their blood sugar.

What causes type 1 diabetes?
The cause of the disease is not known at this time. The disease occurs because the immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Without insulin, the glucose (sugar) in the blood isn’t used to produce energy and it builds up in the bloodstream.

Is there a cure for type 1 diabetes?
There is no cure – yet – for type 1 diabetes. Researchers are working toward finding a cure. Until then, people with type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections to stay alive. Insulin is not a cure – it is only a means of controlling the disease.

Why screen for type 1 diabetes risk?
Only 1 of every 7 children who develop type 1 diabetes has a family member who also has type 1 diabetes. Reserchers believe the “triggers” that start the disease process begin at a very early age. Screening newborns (up to 4 months old) with a simple blood test will alert the parents to their child’s risk to develop the disease in the future.

What is the TEDDY Study?
The TEDDY Study is an international research study to discover genes and environmental exposures that my cause type 1 diabetes. The Medical College of Georgia (MCG) and the University of Florida comprise 1 of 6 centers in the U.S. and Europe that are enrolling participants in the TEDDY Study.
UF’s Diabetes Research Program will be screening newborns up to 4 months old in Florida.

What is the plan for the TEDDY Study?
The TEDDY study has two stages:

TEDDY I
The initial screening for the genetic risk to develop type 1 diabetes is either from a) a heel stick at the same time as the state mandated newborn screening or b) a heel stick performed by the pediatrician or the parent.

TEDDY II
Babies who are found to be at a high genetic risk to develop type 1 diabetes in the future are eligible to enroll in TEDDY II. TEDDY II will closely examine the child’s environmental risk factors.

How can you participate in the TEDDY Study?
For more information about the TEDDY Study or to schedule an appointment for a screening test, contact Angie Choate, the TEDDY Study Coordinator at (352) 334-0843. The toll free number isl (800) 749-7424, dial 1, extension 334-0843. You can also e-mail Angie Choate.