Natural History Study

The Natural History study is looking at the causes of type 1 diabetes by screening relatives to determine their risk for developing diabetes. Screening involves drawing one tube of blood (1 TBSP) to look for any of four antibodies which may appear years before type 1 diabetes develops. Relatives have about a 3-4 percent chance of having any one of the four autoantibodies associated with diabetes.  One purpose of this study is to help us learn more about how much of a risk there is for developing diabetes when a person has these antibodies.  Another purpose is to identify people who are at high risk for developing diabetes who might be eligible for intervention studies.  One intervention study, the Oral Insulin Study, is trying to prevent type 1 diabetes using oral insulin capsules.

The testing can be done at the University of Minnesota or a kit can be sent so testing can be done in a nearby clinic.  There is no cost for the testing. For more information, read the Natural History Study Phase 1 Screening information sheet.

If antibodies are present, risk of developing diabetes may be increased, the Natural History study can provide additional testing and close monitoring. To learn more about further testing, read the Natural History Study Phase 2 Baseline Risk Assessment and Natural History Study Phase 3 Followup Risk Assessment.

If you are interested in more information on the Natural History Study, please contact:
Chris Kwong RD, MPH, CDE
Phone: (612) 624-2922 or
Toll Free: (800) 688-5252 Ext. 42922
Email: kwong001@umn.edu

You can download and print forms for the study by clicking on each document name.  Opening the file requires Adobe Reader. (Clicking on the link will open a new browser window. To return to this website, please close the new window.)

• Consent(must be reviewed with staff at University of Minnesota and signed for all being tested)
• Assent (for those between the ages of 7 and 17)
• HIPAA (for confidentiality of medical information)
• Screening form (complete parts A and B only)
• Family History

You may also visit the TrialNet public website.