Multicenter Assessment of the Pancreas in Type 1 Diabetes

Study Status: Enrolling By Invitation

This research applies magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to study the pancreas of individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and other forms of diabetes. Recent studies have demonstrated reduced pancreatic volume is present within months of T1D diagnosis in children, adolescents, and adults, and in non-diabetic individuals expressing islet autoantibodies that portend the development of T1D. As the pancreatic beta cells constitute only 1-2% of the pancreas, the degree of reduction in pancreas volume at disease onset suggests exocrine involvement, challenging the established paradigm of T1D being solely a disease of the endocrine pancreas. These unexpected findings raise fundamental questions that challenge our understanding of T1D pathogenesis. These changes in pancreatic volume and size before and soon after onset of T1D, as detected by MRI, appear to be a marker of the T1D pathogenic disease process. There is an urgent need to determine whether similar observations can be obtained at different centers using different MRI platforms. Discovery of unknown changes may lead to new ways to treat disease. The MRI techniques may also be useful for following how T1D is progressing in different people, determining whether new drugs are effective, and ultimately detecting T1D in people earlier than currently possible.

Sex: ALL
Minimum Age: 8 Years
Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Below are the inclusion and exclusion criteria for study participants:

Inclusion Criteria

Subjects at least 8 years of age
Subjects with T1D must be imaged within 100 days of their date of diagnosis
Subjects must be able to read and provide assent/informed written consent

Exclusion Criteria

Subjects with pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, or neuroendocrine tumors
Subjects who have any type of bioimplant activated by mechanical, electronic, or magnetic means because such devices may be displaced or malfunction
Subjects who have any type of ferromagnetic bioimplant that could potentially be displaced
Subjects who are pregnant or breast-feeding. Urine pregnancy test will be performed on women of child bearing potential who are not practicing appropriate contraception measures or menstruating.
Subjects who exhibit significant anxiety and/or claustrophobia
Subjects incapable of giving assent/informed written consent
For controls: subjects who have first degree relatives with T1D

Conditions

Diabetes Mellitus

Intervention/Treatment

OTHER : Non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging

Sponsor

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Principal Investigator(s)

Alvin C. Powers, MD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Vanderbilt University Medical Center