Parents are supporting an NHS research team as it looks to identify children who could have an increased risk of develop type 1 diabetes.
Morgan Ellis and John Taylor are among those parents, after they agreed to take part in the study at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.
The couple from Yarm were approached by the research team after their newborn daughter Imogen was delivered at the University Hospital of North Tees earlier this month.
Morgan, who gave birth at the University Hospital of North Tees, said: “When we were asked, we thought it sounded a good thing to take part in.
“It will give us that peace of mind, you don’t know if your child could develop type 1 diabetes.
“If you are aware then we can act on it and that can only help in the future.”
Identifying children at increased risk
The trust’s research service are part of the INGR1D2 study which aims to identify children with genetic markers that put them at increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes.
This is a lifelong condition that causes glucose levels in the blood to become too high.
People affected have to take insulin every day to manage their condition and it can increase the risks of someone developing other medical conditions.
Claire Morning, clinical trials assistant, said: “By screening newborns like Imogen the study offers parents the chance to get involved in further research aimed at reducing the chance of their baby developing the condition or delaying its onset.
“It also means parents and children can learn more about the early signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes.
“Without parents like Morgan and John willing to be a part of studies like this, we wouldn’t be able to investigate and improve the care we provide.”
To find out more about the study, being led by Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, visit The INGR1D 2 study website.
Image – parents Morgan Ellis and John Taylor with newborn daughter Imogen.