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Research Studies

Automated Insulin Delivery in T1D Pregnancies

insulin technology
Strict blood sugar control can reduce pregnancy related complications in women with T1D. The Tandem t:slim X2 closed-loop system is a new technology that uses a continuous glucose monitor, insulin pump, and computer algorithm (Control IQ) to deliver insulin. The purpose of this study is to see if the Tandem t:slim X2 with Control IQ improves blood sugar control, reduces episodes of low blood sugar, decreases burden of diabetes self-care and partner distress, and results in healthier pregnancies.

In Focus: Gender and Type 1 Diabetes

insulin mental
Gender shapes health experiences and care needs, yet little is known about how gender roles and identities impact experiences with T1D. This qualitative study uses photography to explore the relationships between gender, self-management, and care for emerging adults (18-24 years of age) with Type 1 Diabetes. Individuals are asked to take part in a virtual focus group, followed by a photo taking exercise (capturing between 5-25 images), and one-on-one interview to discuss photographs taken.

Type 1 Diabetes Study-VX20-880-101

experimental
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of an investigational islet cell infusion in individuals aged 18 to 65 with type 1 diabetes with severe low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and impaired hypoglycemic awareness. The goal of this infusion is to provide replacement cells for the ones that have been lost or do not work properly in people with diabetes. For more information, please respond to this ad and the study team will reach out to you.

Protecting Insulin Cells at T1D Diagnosis

drugs
At present, no treatments exist to preserve insulin production when T1D is diagnosed. We seek adults aged 18-35 years within 100 days of T1D diagnosis to receive an immunosuppression medication called ‘ustekinumab’ (2 out of 3 chance), currently used for other autoimmune diseases, or placebo (1 out of 3 chance). Study sites are Toronto and Vancouver, but we will work to fund travel if you live elsewhere. We expect that ustekinumab may delay diabetes progression. Principal Investigator: Jan Dutz

Creation of a Diabetic KetoAcidosis Education Tool

experimental
We have previously examined in large research databases the risk factors for DKA as well as the use of blood ketone testing to identify those at greatest future DKA risk. In this part of the research project, we are seeking research participants with T1D to review existing education tools for DKA and co-create with us a better, clearer, more ‘user-friendly’ education tool by sharing your experiences and opinions during two 3-hour video calls within a day.

SUGAR NSalt

drugs insulin
Contemporary treatment of types 2 diabetes regularly involves the use of SGLT2 inhibitors. There is now interest in using this medication for type 1 diabetes alongside insulin treatment. T1D patient input is critical in understanding how and when the use of SGLT2 inhibitors is considered acceptable. We wish to explore the thoughts and perspectives of T1D patients about all the factors they would need to consider before starting this medication, including any risks or benefits they anticipate.