New UK-developed test can help predict who will develop type 1 diabetes and unlock treatment
New UK-developed test can help predict who will develop type 1 diabetes and unlock treatment
- New drugs are emerging for type 1 diabetes (T1D), but they can only be given before a person has a clinical diagnosis
- Now countries across the world are looking at introducing the first global screening programmes to identify who is at high risk of developing the disease, to prescribe before it is too late
- A new biochip by Randox, developed with the University of Exeter, is the first in the world to use genetics to quickly identify who is at high risk of developing T1D, filtering who should go forward for further testing and accelerating access to treatment where needed.
A new test that uses genetics to help predict who is at high risk of developing type 1 diabetes is now publicly available for the first time, following research that aims to help people across the globe access new drugs that can modify the disease.
The test could help develop new screening programmes for type 1 diabetes, as new drugs emerge which must be prescribed at early stages to be effective. The new test will also help determine type 1 from type 2 diabetes, further improving clinical decision making and treatment.
The test, developed by UK diagnostics company Randox using research from the University of Exeter, could help introduce public health screening in the UK and across the world, supporting those with a high genetic risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Now, the test has received UK regulatory approval ā the first such approval issued globally. This means it will be available to consumers in the UK, through Randox Health clinics, and can be ordered online for sample collection at home and returned to Randoxās laboratories for testing.
Type 1 diabetes has a significant inherited risk. The new test is conducted on a Randox biochip which can simultaneously identify up to 10 genetic variants linked to risk for type 1 diabetes. An algorithm is then applied to assess the risk associated with the identified variants for each individual, to calculate a genetic risk score. Previous trials have shown that genetic risk scores are particularly effective in predicting risk for type 1 diabetes. This score will help identify people who donāt have diabetes but are at high risk of developing the disease in the future and can be referred for autoantibody testing to give a definitive diagnosis. The Randox biochip can also be used after diagnosis, to help identify what type of diabetes a person has, which is crucial to ensuring they get the best possible treatment and care.
Identifying those at high risk is particularly topical, as new drugs emerge that can reduce the impact of type 1 diabetes ā and they can only be given at the earliest stages, before a clinical diagnosis is given. In November 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of teplizumab ā the first disease-modifying treatment for type 1 diabetes. It can only be prescribed pre diagnosis, yet there is currently no screening programme anywhere in the world to identify early pre-clinical type 1 diabetes. The drug is not yet approved for use in the UK, however, health services globally are now considering how best to introduce public health screening programmes. Diabetes clinician Professor Richard Oram, of the University of Exeter, developed the genetic risk score based on a decade of research, and has worked with Randox on developing the new biochip. He said: āThe world is waking up to the value of screening programmes for type 1 diabetes because of new drugs which must be given at the earliest stages of disease. Our new biochip is a pioneering example of how understanding a personās background genetic risk can help identify those at highest risk, ensuring they have further antibody screening so we can efficiently identify type 1 diabetes early enough for treatment to be effective. The Randox biochip could aid in speeding up decisions
around who should be monitored and tested further, making public health screening cost effective and improving lives by increasing access to treatment.ā
Type 1 diabetes affects more than eight million people worldwide, and numbers are projected to rise significantly. The disease causes the bodyās own immune system to attack the beta cells which regulate blood sugar. Although the disease is primarily caused by genetics, only around one in ten people with type 1 diabetes have a family member affected, making the other nine in ten difficult to identify. Currently, they are often referred for autoantibody tests when symptoms start to show ā but that can be too late to mean they are eligible for treatment.
The new fingernail-sized biochip works by applying DNA extracted from a patientās blood sample to the biochip surface, upon which copies of the high-risk type 1 diabetes genetic variants are fixed. If a match occurs, the patientās DNA will bind to the fixed risk variants and emit light. The pattern of positive genetic variants indicates genetic risk and an algorithm is then applied, factoring the significance of each gene variant. The higher the genetic score, the greater the risk that the individual will develop the disease. Those at high risk can then be monitored and put forward for autoantibody screening, while those at low risk need not be screened, which saves money.
Dr Lucy Chambers, Head of Research Communications at Diabetes UK, said: āWeāre delighted to see that research supported by Diabetes UK has informed the development of an innovative new tool to find people at high risk of type 1 diabetes. New treatments to prevent or delay type 1 are on the horizon, and their success hinges on establishing effective screening methods to pinpoint those at higher risk. We are continuing to fund research into type 1 screening and are pleased to see new innovations that have the potential to improve lives.ā
Hilary Nathan, Director of Policy and Communications at JDRF UK: āFor too long, type 1 diabetes has lain silent and undetected to subsequently devastate lives and cause chaos from the first days of diagnosis. This new biochip from Randox and the University of Exeter is exciting, as the test could provide a new way to predict who is at risk from developing type 1. This knowledge then unlocks the opportunity to provide education and intervene at the earliest stages, enabling us to reduce the number of people being diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis, which can have traumatic and potentially fatal consequences. We are also on the cusp of a wave of transformative treatments, which can delay the onset of type 1, offering people invaluable years of life free from its burdens.”
Dr Peter FitzGerald MD of Randox said: āWeāre delighted to have worked with the University of Exeter on this project to provide a screening tool to assess the genetic risk of type 1 diabetes which, aligned with autoantibody testing, can greatly improve diagnosis, patient care and access to therapeutics. As a result of our regulatory UKCA approval we will, as a world first, be providing this test through our Randox Health clinics, including within certain John Lewis stores, to private individuals in the UK from7th March. We are also releasing the test via a home-based sample self-collection kit. This test is a game-changer in the diagnosis and treatment of type 1 diabetes and we look forward to deploying the test to support public and private healthcare providers globally.”
The benefits of understanding your health status
Randox Health believe in takin a proactive approach to health – making it their mission to deliver accurate and informative preventative health directly to consumers, all the while helping to relieve some of the strain felt by the health service.
More than 4.3 million people in the UK now live with diabetes. Additionally 850,000 people could be living with diabetes who are yet to be diagnoses. (Diabetes UK)
The Office for National Statistics also estimated that one in nine adults – equating to more than five million people – have non-diabetic hyperglycemia, or ‘pre-diabetes’. Making it one of the most common conditions that people live with – most people with diabetes, with the right medication and management, can live completely unencumbered lives and new technologies are making it even simpler. However, if the right care is not provided, diabetes can increase your risk of several serious complications.
Journalist, Matt Rudd, with a group of colleagues from The Times, UK, recently undertook the Randox Health Vital test – which allows you to understand your health baseline by reviewing vital health areas that could increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes.
Matt described the test as ‘making sense’, “…even though most cases (of type 2 diabetes) are linked to poor diet and obesity those people in the undiagnosed category are likely to be slimmer, younger and in good general health.”
Understanding your health data is vital in helping you to not only feel your best but can also help to prevent illness and reduce your risk of common conditions. The Randox Health Vital health check provides insight into four essential health areas and provides key data empowering you to take control of your health:
- Personal measurements including blood pressure and body composition are measured, If left unmanaged, high blood pressure can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.
- Heart Health – find out if your levels of both good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol/ HDL Ratio – higher than normal levels of LDL cholesterol may make you more likely to have heart problems or stroke.)
- Diabetes Health – HbA1c levels are measured to provide an overall picture of average blood sugar levels over a period of weeks/ months. HbA1c levels can be used to indicate prediabetes or diabetes.
- Full blood count.
The easy-to-interpret report from this Health test will provide a breakdown of results, what they mean and next steps.
By finding out if you are at increased risk of conditions such as those that the Vital package tests for, you can choose to make lifestyle changes to help improve your risk of these potentially devastating conditions.
Medical director for Randox Health, Dr. Gary Smyth provided the following comments for the Times article.
“I believe we should be screening more widely. As the adage goes, prevention is better than a cure. We’re not talking about eradicating type 2 diabetes, but we know it’s am entirely preventable disease with the correct lifestyle choices. It’s depression that there isn’t a system to test more people at a younger age.”
To read the full Times article: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/35d441ef-49fa-4b1a-978b-13792123cde9?shareToken=6f1dbe1f2bf3e591663f0c240d92c9ae
Free NHS Health Check Service for Doncaster Residents in partnership with Randox Health
From February 5th, eligible Doncaster residents aged between 40-70 will be able to book a free NHS health check.
The health checks aim to detect the risk of an individual having a heart attack, stroke, or developing Type 2 diabetes over the next decade. In its first five years, the NHS Health Check initiative is estimated to have prevented over 2,500 heart attacks or strokes as a result of people receiving preventative treatment following their Health Check.
Following the Health Check, the results will be made available to GP’s for inclusion on patient medical records to enable further follow-up if required. Not only does the Health Check enable prevention and mitigation through the early identification of serious illness, but it also offers onward support if required to assist with lifestyle modification on issues including smoking, alcohol, and weight management.
This service is specifically focussed on providing checks to patients at high risk, therefore selected patients will receive a letter on behalf of their GP inviting them to avail of the check. The dedicated NHS Health Check Clinic t Cussins House, 22-28 Wood Street is situated conveniently in central Doncaster benefitting from excellent accessibility and transport links. In addition to this, for those that cannot access the city centre, appointments will be provided at a range of community locations across the borough.
To check your eligibility and book an appointment please visit: NHS health Checks (randox.com)
or phone the Randox team on: 0800 2545 452
David Ferguson, Chief Operating Officer for Randox Health, said: “At Randox Health we promote preventative healthcare and action, so are delighted to be part of this initiative to bring health checks to Doncaster.
“We believe that early diagnostic health testing delivers better outcomes for individuals, relieving the pressure on our NHS by enabling lifestyle changes and medical intervention.”
Additional notes:
- To be eligible patients must be aged between 40 and 74, live or be registered to a GP in Doncaster, and meet the criteria regarding previous conditions.
- NHS Health Check Doncaster Address: Suite 1-05 & 1-06 Cussins House, 22-28 Wood Street, Doncaster, DN1 3LW.
- Appointments must be booked in advance and will be available from Wednesday, 14th February.
NHS waiting lists can fall by 2.2 million with my plan, says Dr. Peter Fitzgerald
Private diagnostic clinics can help end the scourge of NHS waiting listsĀ
By Dr. Peter Fitzgerald
NHS waiting times are one of the greatest domestic challenges facing the United Kingdom. Government has officially recognised this for some time, with the current incarnation highlighting wait times as one of the government’s top 5 priorities.
Wait times clog up the system and can mean potentially lifesaving early diagnosis are missed simply because there is too much time between people going to the doctor and the results coming back. Worse, can be the wait times between referral’s to specialists or just regular hospitals.
However, we have a solution that will revolutionize the system. By embracing preventative medicine in a revitalised partnership between the NHS and the private sector we could cut waiting lists by millions and save the taxpayer billions of pounds.
By integrating diagnostic clinics, which were used to great affect during the Covid pandemic, we would be able to diagnose serious illnesses, diseases or other health problems long before they become symptomatic.
Private testing clinics can already deliver clear and accurate results in less than a day, usually only a few hours. This far outstrips the week-long norm in the NHS. This would allow GPs to have far faster turnaround times for patients and quicker assessment of patient needs.
Critically, modern testing techniques enable experts to test for a wide variety of potential illnesses from a single small blood or urine sample and so spot problems before a patient becomes ill, making it possible for successful medical or surgical intervention.
The adage of prevention being better than a cure may not truly work here but every medical professional will tell you that an early diagnosis drastically improves a patient’s outcomes. Early diagnosis normally reduces both the financial cost and the health cost to a patient.
By outsourcing testing to the private sector – under a rigorous independent tendering process – the NHS can be freed up to get on with its prime job of treating the sick.
Under our proposals, the public would be invited to visit a private diagnostic clinic every year for a check-up. Results would be monitored by in house scientists who would advise people on next steps.Ā Results would be routinely passed onto GPs, though in many cases no further action would be needed.
GPs would ultimately decide on medical interventions and possible referral to NHS hospital services. A priority group for such tests would be the 7.7 million on NGS waiting lists. They would be assessed to see if their condition had worsened and whether urgent action was required.
We estimate that by embracing private testing technology, the government could save the NHS Ā£3 billion a year and reduce the waiting list backlog by around 2.2 million people.
Randox welcomed the Queenās University staff Leadership Team to their Antrim based Randox Science Park in Antrim.
Randox were delighted to welcome the Queenās University Belfast Leadership Team to their Antrim based headquarters, Randox Science Park on Tuesday, October 4th.
President and Vice Chancellor, Sir Ian Greer of Queenās University was joined by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Stuart Elborn, Head of Careers, Employability and Skills Mr Trevor Johnston, Head of Business Alliance Mr Dermot Leonard, Business Engagement Manager Mrs Joanne Mallon, Executive Director of the Global Innovation Institute Dr. David Quinn, Lead of Queenās sustainable energy research Professor David Rooney, Dean of Research in Medicine, Health and Life Sciences Professor David Rooney, Dean of Research in Medicine, Health and, Life Sciences Professor Chris Scott, and Dean of Impact and Innovation in Medicine, Health, and Life Sciences.
The team received a presentation on Randoxās capabilities which stimulated multiple discussions in relation to research, improvements in healthcare provision, skills and the exciting future of Life and Health Sciences in Northern Ireland.
The purpose-built facilities at the site, covering research and development, engineering, manufacturing and accredited laboratories provides an unparalleled depth of diagnostic capability within a single site.
Randox employ over 2,200 staff, including 800 research scientists and engineers ā all focused on improving life science diagnostic capabilities globally.
More than 5% of the worldās population (over 400 million people) receive medical diagnosis using Randox products each year.Ā Randox have major facilities in the UK, Ireland, India, and the United States, supported by global distribution and supply networks.
Look after your gut and it will look after you – Goodwood Health Summit 2023
At long last the public is cottoning on to the simple but important notion of preventative health ā the idea that you donāt go to the doctorĀ afterĀ falling ill ā you goĀ beforeĀ so that potential future illnesses can be identified in advance and action taken immediately.
Randox, a leader in the field of diagnostic medicine, is in the forefront of this profound change in health care ā one that opens up the possibility of delivering enormous benefits to individuals and society at large.
For these reasons, we were delighted to lend our support to the recent launch of the Goodwood Gut Summit hosted by the Goodwood Estate.Ā The summit theme was on gut microbiomes, which play a key role in promoting the smooth daily operations of our body. Broadcast online, the summit aimed to respond to the urgent need for widespread education and communication about rapid progress in dietary health.
The summit came after a stark warning contained in two landmark studies into the effects of ultra-processed foods on our diet and its effect on our microbiomes.
This newly published research concluded that eating ultra-processed foods – such as ready meals, fizzy juice, cereals, and fast food – drastically increases our risk of serious health issues, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. It can also raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes. BBC journalist Justin Webb led the conversation with a world-class line-up of speakers, including, Dr Chris van Tulleken, Jessie InchauspĆ©, Dr James Kinross, Professor Pekka Puska and Professor Edward Bullmore.
Topics covered included inflammation, mental health and the microbiome , insulin, obesity, ultra-processed foods , the growing cost of poor nutrition, and the need to drive fundamental shifts in our food systems in order to move to a healthier future for all.
There was a discussion on using the many curbs on the promotion and sale of tobacco as a model for the food industry. Tighter regulation of food manufacturers and their marketing strategies could be the way forward here. As authorities in their respective fields, the speakers shared their knowledge and vision on these important topics, as well as considered new solutions to personal and societal health challenges, helping the formulation of some key achievable goals.
The partnership with the summit is underpinned by two Randox Laboratory divisions.
Randox Food Diagnostics is dedicated to improving the global food security chain. It provides the global food market with screening solutions for antimicrobials, toxins, growth-promoting hormones and veterinary drugs in animals and animal produce, as well as testing meat, milk, honey, grapes, seafood and feed products.
Food product testing is essential to ensure that what we consume is safe from physical, chemical, and biological hazards. It tells people precisely what they are eating and so helps them make informed choices and makes sure that goods on the supermarket shelves comply with safety standards.
Randox Health, the consumer-facing side of Randox Laboratories, is primarily focused on accessible, preventative health testing and offers full body health checks that identify early signs of disease before symptoms occur.
What is gut microbiome?
Picture a bustling city on a weekday morning, the pavements flooded with people rushing to get to work or to appointments. Now imagine this at a microscopic level and you have an idea of what the microbiome looks like inside our bodies, consisting of trillions of microorganisms (also called microbiota or microbes) of thousands of different species.
These include not only bacteria but fungi, parasites, and viruses. In a healthy person, these ābugsā coexist peacefully, with the largest numbers found in the small and large intestines but also throughout the body. The microbiome is even labeled a supporting organ because it plays so many key roles in promoting the smooth daily operations of the human body.
A person is first exposed to microorganisms as an infant, during delivery in the birth canal and through the motherās breast milk. Later on, environmental exposures and diet can change our microbiomes to be either beneficial to health or to place one at greater risk for disease. Read more about it here(https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/microbiome/)
More info on Randox Food Diagnostics: Randox food diagnostics-randoxfood.com
To book a health test please follow the link below; Randox Health-randoxhealth.com
Book your stay at theĀ GoodwoodĀ Gut Health programme, that includes a Randox panel of testing;Ā www.goodwood.com/visit-eat-stay/health-wellbeing/wellness-retreats/gut-health-programme/
Sexual Health Week
September 11th-17th is Sexual Health Week
Sexual Health is a very important part of our lives, impacting on our wider physical and emotional well-being. In our relationships it is also important to act responsibly and with care – and to reduce the risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
More than one million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day worldwide, the majority of which are asymptomatic. STIs are on the increase, and many show very little to no symptoms.
We want to break the stigma on sexual health testing. Regular testing is what keeps us safe and prevents STI’s spreading. Regular screening can aid in detecting an infection in the early stages and help to reduce the risk of further complications.
Gonorrhoea and Syphilis, which are two of the most common STIs are increasing at alarming rates.
Usually treated easily with antibiotics, many STIs can cause serious health issues if left untreated. Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea can cause infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease, while syphilis can cause serious, irreversible, and potentially life-threatening problems with your brain, heart, or nerves. Sexually transmitted infections are on the increase, many of which present little to no active symptoms.
Randox Health ā helping people reach the peak of their fitness.
Sam Cairns has completed what seemed to be the impossible – overcoming physical and mental hurdles to stand on top of the world. Cairns, from Aviemore, which is situated within the Cairngorms National Park in the Highlands of Scotland, successfully summited Mount Everest with help from County Antrim based, Leading Diagnostics company, Randox Health.
Ex Team-GB biathlete, Cairns is also the founder of Fitnessat58° and the cofounder of the Lunchbox boys. To Cairns climbing Mount Everest represented the pinnacle of all his aspirations, a true test of his physical capabilities.
He successfully reached the summit on Thursday, May 18th, at 4:45 am.
He also faced elemental dangers on his journey – facing multiple avalanches along the treacherous route. Undeterred by the different physical and mental obstacle he faced along the way Cairns pressed on to complete his self-assigned challenge, defying all the odds stacked against him to accomplish the end goal of reaching the top.
In preparation for this challenge Cairns’ training regimen encompassed 3-hour conditioning sessions, 50km ultra runs, and multiple ascents of Ben Nevis within a remarkable time frame.
Cairns worked closely with Randox Health throughout his training, utilizing the use of Randox’s health kits and Everyathlete health program to optimize his training and nutrition through data-driven insights.
“I’ve worked closely with Randox Health, whose team played a huge role in this process.
“Using their health kits, I gained key insights to ensure my health was where it needed to be, allowing me to optimize my training and nutrition for maximum performance with the Everyathlete health program.
“It has over 80 data points linked to nutrition, muscle, joint, hormonal health, and body composition; I used repeat testing to monitor changes in my health data. Randox Health also generously made a financial donation towards the expedition.”
The Everyathlete health program, which aided Cairns in his training helps optimize training, as noted, and nutrition for maximum performance. Over 80 data points linked to nutrition, muscle, joint, hormonal health, and body composition measured are included to help athletes keep on track, stay motivated and monitor your health data.
For Male Athletes, there is an option to include PSA is available during booking. The Everyathlete programme is perfect for anyone who wants to be proactive about their health, establish their health baseline prior to training and track their health data throughout training.
It not only helps people reach the peak of the world but also the peak of their fitness.
Biomedical Science Day 2023
This 8th June, Randox is celebrating Biomedical Science Day and our vital role in pro-active healthcare through our Randox Health Clinics.
Biomedical Science Day celebrates the vital role biomedical scientists play in patient care through the diagnosis of infections and diseases. It is a national event organized by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), the professional body for biomedical scientists and laboratory support staff. The awareness day aims to inform the public and empower patients by telling them about practices in biomedical science and celebrating a profession that is #AtTheHeartOfHealthcare.
Biomedical science is practiced in healthcare laboratories to identify, research, monitor and treat diseases. As one of the broadest areas of modern science, it focuses on the complexity of the human body and underpins much of modern medicine.
Here at Randox we continuously celebrate all our laboratory staff on a global scale – our team consists of over 650 research scientists and engineers who work in four jurisdictions across three continents!
For over forty years, Randox laboratory staff have been contributing to our work in preventative healthcare and research into diagnostics.
Randox has many departments which all work collectively to produce results. Our laboratory and R&D scientists are continuously researching new biomarker discovery. With a driven commitment to improving health worldwide, Randox reinvest up to 25% of turnover into developing disruptive innovations in diagnostics and healthcare – providing earlier diagnosis, prognosis, and improved patient risk to reduce current invasive diagnostic methods.
Randox Health partners with REVIV
Randox Health have entered into an exciting new partnership with REVIV
Randox Health Clinics are pioneering preventative health care, bringing the world’s most advanced and personalized health programs directly to the public – with the goal of harnessing the power of testing and data to shift healthcare away from sickness management and towards a more proactive approach.
This partnership with REVIV, who championed commercialised IV therapy, will allow people to see real-time results from taking steps to protect their health and to experience the future of wellness.
The IVD drip therapies include:
- The Megaboost, that was designed with wellness in mind this infusion is packed with B vitamins, Vitamin C, Antioxidants and minerals to accomplish restoration of the body’s essential nutrients in one drip.
- The Miniboost, similar to its larger counterpart, the Megaboost, this Miniboost is not to be underestimated! Containing B Vitamins, Vitamin C and antioxidants, it can support energy levels and the immune system whilst aiding protection against cell-damaging free radicals.
- The Royal Flush which supercharges recovery and nutritional balance by providing the ingredients you need directly into your bloodstream. This all-in-one infusion has been directly designed to rehydrate, decreame inflammation and aid detoxification.
- The Hydromax IV which aims to replenish your body’s salts and water.
- The Vitaglow can support detoxification of free radicals that accumulate in the body from exposure to pollutants, daily stresses and chemicals including pesticides.
- The Ultraviv and The Ultraviv pro, both recovery infusions. The Ultraviv can be used to aid recovery against the common cold, sore throats and even the after effects of alcohol. The Ultraviv pro combines a number of prescribed medications with essential vitamins and nutrients delivered alongside the maximum of hydration.
A full list of all REVIV drip therapies and IM booster shots will be available in the Randox Health clinics.
On REVIV partnering with Randox, David Ferguson, Chief Operating Officer, said: “Over the past few years, we’ve seen a dramatic change in people’s behaviours as they seek to understand their health and wellbeing better. At Randox Health, we provide a range of specialised health packages that enable you to take control of your health.
“Our innovative diagnostic technologies can deliver hundreds of results to give you a comprehensive overview of your health and help detect the earliest signs of illness. Collaborating with REVIV is a natural next step, combining our world-class diagnostic services with REVIV signature IV therapies to help our customers protect their current and future health.”