UK Children's Diabetes Research
We are trying to find out what causes diabetes by the study of "genes". "Genes" are the building blocks in our bodies which we get from our parents at birth, that decide the colour of our hair, our eyes and the shape of our bodies. Some "genes" are also involved in whether we get diabetes or not. If we find out more about these genes, we may be able to prevent diabetes in the future.
If you wanted to help us, the next time you go to the diabetes clinic, we would take a little extra blood (1-2 teaspoonfuls) when the doctor or nurse checks your sugar levels. We would take the blood from a vein in your arm so your parents or the nurse would need to put the "magic cream" on an hour or so before.
The blood would go to Cambridge where scientists would look for the genes in the cells of the blood. The blood would be prepared in such a way that they would not need to come back for more. They will let you and your parents know from time to time through the clinic what they find - they will explain how all the blood samples from all over the country have helped. Your blood will not be used for the study of any other "genes" - only those relating to diabetes.
When you have read this information sheet, think about it for at least a day and talk about it with your parents. If you have any more questions or want more information, please ask your nurse or the doctor at the clinic whose names are in the next column. If you have email, you could send your questions to the scientists in Cambridge at the address given.
If you choose to give your blood and then change your mind, that is okay and it will not affect things when you next go to the clinic.
My nurse is:
My doctor is:
Telephone number:
Alternatively you can email the Cambridge Scientists: ukgrid@paed.cam.ac.uk
| UK Children's Diabetes Research file: | http://www.childhood-diabetes.org.uk/info/grid-info-5-11.shtml |
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| Written by: | Neil Walker |
| Last modified: | 28/10/2011 |