Genetics Of Autoimmunity In Type I Diabetes

The goal of this project is to gain knowledge about the development of Type 1 diabetes (T1D), as T1D is one of the most common chronic diseases in children. There has been a rise in the number of cases diagnosed as well as a decrease in the age of diagnosis. This project aims to understand the disease progression as seen in the immune system and to define the genetic and environmental factors that affect inflammation and regulation, which could determine disease progression or nonprogression. Families that include a family member with T1D will be recruited, as well as unrelated, healthy controls as a comparison group.

Participants will have height and weight measured, complete a social & medical history questionnaire, and have blood drawn for analysis for HLA haplotype (a genetic sequence related to type 1 diabetes susceptibility)diabetes, blood glucose, immune system response, complete blood count, and autoantibody measurements. Some family members may return for follow-up visits for up to 10 years.

Inclusion criteria

(Families):

• Families where at least one first-degree family member has type 1 diabetes
• The diabetic proband in the family was diagnosed before the age of 39
• Family members must be at least 2 years old to participate

Exclusion criteria

(Families):

• Families with no history of type 1 diabetes
• Families with a history of diabetes that is not type 1 (LADA, MODY, type 2 etc.)

Inclusion criteria

(Controls):

• No family history of type 1 diabetes or other autoimmune conditions
• Age 2 or older

Exclusion criteria

(Controls):

• Personal or family history of autoimmune disease