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T1D can be a traumatic diagnosis for children and young people, and often involves strict adherence to painful treatments, comorbid mental health conditions, and shortened life expectancy.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease that results from the immune system attacking the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Unlike type 2 diabetes which is potentially preventable, type 1 is a non-preventable disease - currently, its exact cause is not known and there is no cure.

Read about the Research Focus Area Leads at the Children's Diabetes Centre.

Many of the Centre's researchers have been responsible for discovering and contributing to real game-changers, making a difference to children with diabetes.

Research

Globally, nearly 9 million people are living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Although the incidence of T1D is not affected by socioeconomic status, the development of complications and limited access to modern therapy is overrepresented in vulnerable populations. Diabetes technology, specifically continuous glucose monitoring and automated insulin delivery systems, are considered the gold standard for management of T1D, yet access to these technologies varies widely across countries and regions, and varies widely even within high-income countries.

Research

To evaluate real-world glycaemic outcomes in children with type 1 diabetes commencing advanced hybrid closed loop therapy and to explore these outcomes based on the cohort's clinical and socioeconomic characteristics.

Research

Humans are commonly exposed to plastic through their dietary intake and food consumption patterns. Plastic-associated chemicals (PAC), such as bisphenols and phthalates, are recognized as endocrine-disrupting and are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. However, accurate methods to assess dietary exposure to plastic products and PAC are inadequate, limiting interrogation of health impacts. 

Research

Blood glucose management around exercise is challenging for youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Previous research has indicated interventions including decision-support aids to better support youth to effectively contextualize blood glucose results and take appropriate action to optimize glucose levels during and after exercise. Mobile health (mHealth) apps help deliver health behavior interventions to youth with T1D, given the use of technology for glucose monitoring, insulin dosing, and carbohydrate counting.

The Rio Tinto Children's Diabetes Centre is a research centre that aims to improve the lives of children and young adults living with diabetes by bringing together research, education and clinical care.

News & Events

The study involved screening young people to learn more about the development of long-term kidney, eye and cardiovascular complications in adolescents with T1D.