Between July 2024 and August 2025, more than 1,800 British Research Panel members signed up to the T1DRA study, a type 1 diabetes study led by the University of Bristol. The aim of the study is to find out how many adults in the UK are at increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes affects up to 400,000 people in the UK and is often thought of as a childhood condition, however more than half of all cases are diagnosed in adults. It occurs when the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, meaning people can no longer make their own insulin and their blood sugar levels become dangerously high. Scientists have found definite genetic and immune differences between adult and childhood-onset type 1 diabetes, but these are not well understood.
The goal of the T1DRA study is to estimate how many adults in the UK are at increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes and to understand more about immune changes before symptoms appear.
“Adult type 1 diabetes is often less aggressive or progresses slowly and may not immediately require insulin at diagnosis, this can lead to cases being misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes with incorrect treatment,” explains Rachel Aitken, Diabetes Study Manager.
Through sharing information about the T1DRA study with our members, the British Research Panel has helped researchers reach people across the UK who otherwise may not have seen the opportunity.
How Our Members Contributed
During the British Research Panel’s involvement, more than 1800 members expressed interest in the study, contributing to more than 20% of participants at the time.
After completing a simple a finger prick test at home and posting it to the laboratory, our members then received further insight on their health and information as to whether they were at increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Adults in the study identified as having risk markers were then monitored with extra samples, given education on symptoms and informed about any available research.
One of our members Teresa, who got involved in the study after receiving our email explained how valuable participation was for learning more about her own health.
My father had a late diagnosis for diabetes, so it was interesting. The results told me I’m not at risk at the moment, but that’s not a guarantee it won’t ever happen in future. It was very informative for my own health. I also recommend my daughter and son did it.
Our members have therefore not only contributed to research that could improve future understanding of type 1 diabetes but they have also had the opportunity to learn more about their own health.
For members identified as being at increased risk of developing the condition, the study provides ongoing monitoring and follow-ups, as well as information about symptoms to look out for.
Members are also kept up to date with relevant clinical trials, such as the Baricade-delay – T1DUK study, and developments in new treatments that could potentially delay or prevent type 1 diabetes from developing. The T1DRA team has also shared information about a new therapy that can delay the onset of type 1 diabetes for up to three years and is due to become available on the NHS.
The Study So Far
Having been underway for a couple of years, the study is nearing its recruitment goals and will soon be able to share the findings with all of those involved and the wider population.
So far, we have recruited just over 18,000 participants, with a goal of recruiting 20,000 people. The highly motivated members of the British Research Panel have significantly contributed to this achievement.
“We are keen to recruit more men and participants from ethnic backgrounds to our study to help our research better represent the UK population,” she adds.
The study aims to represent people from across the UK and offers resources in a range of languages to help make participation as accessible as possible. You can read the information leaflet here: Information for participants – T1DRA
If you are interested in learning more about the study and getting involved, visit the following link: T1DRA
Written by
Eloise Healey