Is the INGR1D2 study right for me and my baby? 

You have indicated that you are, or might be, interested in finding out whether you baby is at higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes.  The INGR1D2 study may be for you.  The next step is to think about what you would do if your baby was identified as being at higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes.   

If your baby is found to be at increased risk for type 1 diabetes (roughly 1 in a 100 babies are identified as being at increased risk), you will be offered  the opportunity to enrol your baby into the AVAnT1A study.  The AVAnT1A study is a study aimed at learning how we can prevent Type 1 Diabetes for babies who have a higher genetic risk.  Babies participating in the study are given either the Covid-19 vaccination or a placebo (a harmless salt water solution).   The AVAnT1A study requires babies taking part to:

• have a series of three injections starting when they are 6 months old.  The injections will either be the Covid-19 vaccination or a placebo (see here for more information about why placebos are used in research).  The COVID-19 vaccination used has been approved by the NHS for babies from 6 months of age.  This vaccine is not currently offered to babies routinely in England so you will not be able to access it if your baby is not taking part in AVAnT1A (unless they have another condition for which the vaccine is advised).

• visit your local AVAnT1A site for a series of study visits. During this visit you would see a specialist doctor (a paediatric endocrinologist) and your baby would have a number of tests.  These tests are important for the study and for your baby's health.  The tests can identify if your baby is developing Type 1 Diabetes before they even develop symptoms.  Parents taking part in the study can be reimbursed for their travel costs in attending these appointments. You can find out more about study visits and the AVAnT1A study here.   Local study sites are listed below:

  • North East North Cumbria: The Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne.

  • East of England: Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge.

  • Midlands: Birmingham Women's Hospital.

 Currently there is no routinely available additional care, treatment, or monitoring for babies who are known to have a higher genetic risk of developing Type 1 Diabetes, and who are not taking part in the AVAnT1A study.  

How would you feel about your baby participating in the AVAnT1A study if they were found to be at higher risk of developing Type 1 Diabetes?

Please click the button below that best reflects how you feel.