RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Canadian Bone Strength Development Study

This study aims to understand how bone development differs between children with type-1 diabetes and those without, focusing on ages 10 to 12. Researchers are investigating how bones in arms and legs change during puberty, expecting that children with type-1 diabetes might have weaker bones. They also want to understand the reasons behind these differences, looking at things like body size, muscle strength, and how active children are. The study will also explore how factors related to diabetes, such as how long someone has had it and sugar control, might affect bone health. Participants will be followed for up to four years with yearly check-ups to measure their growth, bone strength, exercise habits, and diet.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Saskatchewan

Enrolment target

204

Start

01 Apr 2024

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2028

Type-1 Diabetes

What is this study about?

This important study, called the Canadian Bone Strength Development Study, wants to find out more about how bones grow and become strong in children and teenagers. They are especially interested in comparing children who have type-1 diabetes with those who don't. The main goal is to understand if there are differences in how strong bones develop, particularly during the fast growth period of puberty, which happens around ages 10 to 12. The researchers suspect that children with type-1 diabetes might develop bones that are not quite as strong.

To understand why any differences might occur, the study will look at several things. They will check how body shape, muscle strength, and how active a child is might affect their bone development. For example, they'll see if children with type-1 diabetes have less muscle or are less active, and if this is linked to weaker bones. They will also look at how factors specific to diabetes, like how long someone has had the condition, how well their blood sugar is controlled, and certain hormones, might play a part in bone development or lead to fractures.

Taking part in this study means your child would have yearly check-ups for up to four years at one of the study hospitals. During these visits, doctors and researchers would measure things like their height and weight, bone strength, muscle strength, and discuss their diet and how much physical activity they do. All of this information will help them learn more about strengthening bones in young people, especially those with type-1 diabetes.

Key takeaways

This study compares bone growth in 10-12 year olds with and without type-1 diabetes.
It aims to understand why some children with type-1 diabetes might have weaker bones.
Researchers will track growth, bone strength, muscles, and activity over four years.
Participation involves one visit per year for up to four years.
The study hopes to find ways to better support bone health for young people with type-1 diabetes.

Who may be eligible?

This study is particularly looking for children aged 10 to 12 years old. They need both boys and girls to take part.

For children with type-1 diabetes, they must have been diagnosed at least six months ago. Importantly, they cannot have any other health conditions or be taking medicines that are known to affect bone health or growth. This includes conditions like kidney disease or coeliac disease. They also cannot have already gone through their main growth spurt.

The same age and gender requirements apply to children without type-1 diabetes. Like the other group, they should not have any health problems or be on medications that could affect their bones or growth. They also shouldn't have had any unusual fractures or already completed their main growth spurt.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is my child between 10 and 12 years old?
If my child has type-1 diabetes, have they had it for at least 6 months?
Does my child have any other conditions or take medications that affect bones or growth?
Has my child already had their main growth spurt?
Are we able to attend annual visits for up to 4 years?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your child takes part, they would visit the research centre once a year for up to four years, so they would have a total of four visits. During each visit, a team of experts will take different measurements. This includes checking their height and weight, carefully assessing their bone strength and structure, testing their muscle strength, and asking about their diet and how much exercise they get. There are no new medications involved in this study; the assessments are all about gathering information.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us learn much more about bone health in children with type-1 diabetes, which might lead to better ways to support them in the future. The risks involve giving up some time for the yearly hospital visits and the small discomfort of the assessments, such as certain body measurements or scans. You and your child are free to stop taking part in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your child's medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Saskatchewan
Verified postcode
Saskatoon, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is type-1 diabetes?

Type-1 diabetes is a health condition where the body stops making an important hormone called insulin. Insulin helps turn sugar from food into energy for the body's cells, so people with type-1 diabetes need to take insulin to stay healthy.

Why are you studying bones?

Researchers want to understand how bones grow and become strong in children, especially as they go through puberty. They are particularly interested in seeing if there are any differences for children who have type-1 diabetes.

What will happen at the yearly visits?

At the visits, we will do some measurements like checking height and weight, using special equipment to look at bone strength, testing muscle strength, and asking about food choices and how much exercise is done.

How long will my child be in the study?

Your child would be in the study for up to four years, coming for one visit each year. So, a total of four visits over the study period.

Can we leave the study if we change our minds?

Yes, absolutely. You and your child can decide to stop taking part in the study at any point, and it won't affect your child's medical care in any way.

How to find out more

Saija Kontulainen, PhD

saija.kontulainen@usask.ca (306)966-1077 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.