The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young is a longitudinal study examining the environmental causes of Type 1 diabetes (T1D), formerly known as juvenile diabetes. The study follows children at high genetic risk for T1D from birth to 15 years of age.
Although genetic markers for Type 1 Diabetes have been identified, genetic predisposition is not the only factor in development of the disease. An increasing body of evidence, including rising rates of T1D diagnosis and incomplete penetrance of the disease in genetically predisposed individuals, suggests that environment may play an equally important role. TEDDY researchers hypothesize that a range of environmental factors have the ability to influence both the initial development of pancreatic beta-cell autoimmunity and the ultimate progression from autoimmunity to diabetes.
TEDDY monitors participants for the presence of antibodies to insulin, GAD, IA2, and ZnT8 through regular testing. Study participants also provide a range of samples designed to give a comprehensive view of their exposure to environmental factors which could possibly trigger or protect against the development of autoimmunity and T1D. Samples collected for analysis include blood, nasal swabs, saliva, urine, stool, toenails, and drinking water. Additionally, researchers collect diet records and interview subjects and their caretakers to assess the subjects’ stress levels, determine the impact of major life changes, and identify additional environmental factors such as illnesses, immunizations, allergies, and pets.
TEDDY is funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
referenceEver curious about what that abbreviation stands for? fullforms has got them all listed out for you to explore. Simply,Choose a subject/topic and get started on a self-paced learning journey in a world of fullforms.
Allow To Receive Free Coins Credit 🪙