£2.3m backs study of early-life factors in type 1 diabetes
King's project follows families from pregnancy into childhood.
A King's College London study has received £2.3 million from the Helmsley Charitable Trust to investigate how conditions during pregnancy may influence children's future risk of type 1 diabetes.
The PISA project is recruiting 500 women whose children have a higher risk because of family history. Researchers will combine biological samples, pregnancy MRI scans and follow-up during the first two years of life to examine pancreatic and immune-system development.
The work aims to identify changes that precede disease and possible routes towards prevention. It does not yet establish causes or demonstrate a preventive treatment.
Why this matters for policymakers
- Long-term evidence Consider sustained support for cohorts linking pregnancy and childhood health.
- Prevention research Distinguish early biological associations from validated opportunities to prevent disease.
- Research participation Ensure families receive clear information about sampling, follow-up and data use.
Sources: King's College London announcement.
Image: Vegasjon / Wikimedia Commons. Illustrative blood-sample handling; not PISA participants, study samples or equipment. Resized and converted to JPEG CC BY-SA 4.0.