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Many of the Centre's researchers have been responsible for discovering and contributing to real game-changers, making a difference to children with diabetes.
The Rio Tinto Children's Diabetes Centre is a research centre that aims to improve the lives of children and young adults living with diabetes by bringing together research, education and clinical care.
Read about the Research Focus Area Leads at the Children's Diabetes Centre.
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease that results from the immune system attacking the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Unlike type 2 diabetes which is potentially preventable, type 1 is a non-preventable disease - currently, its exact cause is not known and there is no cure.
News & Events
'Artificial pancreas' helps ease diabetes burdenThe Centre is currently involved in an international effort to develop revolutionary closed- loop 'artificial pancreas' technology. It is also leading a multi-centre Australian trial of these portable devices at home in young people with diabetes.
Research
Clinical Outcomes with MiniMedTM 780G Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop Therapy in 2- to 6-Year-Old Children with Type 1 DiabetesAdvanced hybrid closed-loop (AHCL) therapy with the Medtronic MiniMed™ 780G system improves glycemia; however, the clinical outcomes in younger children remain less established. This pilot study aimed to explore the continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics in very young children on AHCL. Children between 2 and 7 years of age and on insulin pump therapy were recruited.
Research
Hybrid Closed-Loop Versus Manual Insulin Delivery in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: A Post Hoc Analysis Using the Glycemia Risk IndexGlycemia risk index (GRI) is a novel composite metric assessing overall glycemic risk, accounting for both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia and weighted toward extremes. Data assessing GRI as an outcome measure in closed-loop studies and its relation with conventional key continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics are limited.
Research
Following in Banting’s footsteps or straying from the path? Observations from contemporary diabetes innovationWhile advancements in the treatment of diabetes continue to rapidly evolve, many of the newer technologies have financial barriers to care, opposing the egalitarian ethos of Banting who sold his patent on insulin for a nominal cost to allow it to be made widely available. Inequity in access to new therapies drives disparity in diabetes burden with potential for these gaps to widen in the future.
Research
Socioeconomic status and diabetes technology use in youth with type 1 diabetes: a comparison of two funding modelsTechnology use, including continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and insulin pump therapy, is associated with improved outcomes in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D). In 2017 CGM was universally funded for youth with T1D in Australia. In contrast, pump access is primarily accessed through private health insurance, self-funding or philanthropy.
Research
Physical activity management for youth with type 1 diabetes: Supporting active and inactive childrenRegular physical activity and exercise are important for youth and essential components of a healthy lifestyle. For youth with type 1 diabetes, regular physical activity can promote cardiovascular fitness, bone health, insulin sensitivity, and glucose management. However, the number of youth with type 1 diabetes who regularly meet minimum physical activity guidelines is low, and many encounter barriers to regular physical activity.