Discovering Potential Gaps in Care and Impacts for Children Diagnosed with Diabetes through use of a Database Registry

Diabetes Mellitus can be defined as an illness that lacks regulation of sugar via insulin; type I and type II are most common and both types can occur in children. Insulin is secreted by the pancreas and helps regulate sugar for energy use. However, when there isn’t enough insulin in the body, it results in high sugar levels. Those who have type I diabetes must take insulin because they either have little to no insulin. In type II, there is an element of decreased insulin sensitivity, and depending on sugar levels, it can be treated with only oral medications (i.e metformin) or individuals may need injectables like insulin. Type I can be associated with genetics and autoimmunity. Type II diabetes is not tied to autoimmunity, but is associated with genetic and environmental factors. Riley's Diabetes Research Team focuses on both forms of diabetes amongst children. One way is by utilizing a registry of information on diagnosed children. This registry tracks the progression of the illness and related comorbidities from date of diagnosis to follow ups through clinical and demographical data. Researchers can use this registry to better understand how diabetes impacts children and look for gaps in care.