This National Diabetes Week we are shining a light on our researchers and research projects that are making a difference for children and their families living with diabetes.
The theme for the week is 'prevention' because it matters at every stage of the diabetes journey. Whether it’s preventing type 2 diabetes or preventing complications for people living with all types of diabetes, awareness and action make a difference.
We spoke to one of our Research Assistants at the Rio Tinto Children's Diabetes Centre, Peter Delaney, who also lives with type 1 diabetes (T1D), to find out more about his journey and why he has chosen to work in research at The Kids Research Institute Australia.
Peter is one of our inaugural Honours scholarship recipients at the Centre. After completing his project at the end of 2023, graduating with First Class Honours, soon after he joined the RioTinto Children's Diabetes Centre as a research assistant.
Why did you get into T1D research?
At the ripe old age of 9 years, I was diagnosed with T1D. Ever since, I’ve had a burning curiosity about the condition, why it affects some and not others, and understanding different ways that people manage their own T1D. I’ve always wanted to get involved with T1D research in some capacity, and now, in the role that I am currently in as well as the Honours project I did a couple of years ago, I feel empowered to contribute to T1D research as much as I can in order to improve the lives of people (like me!) who live with T1D 24/7.
What are your current research projects you are working on?
In my role as RA, I am involved in a variety of research projects:, including some in the technology space, some involving new models of care within the Diabetes department at PCH, as well as a few other exciting studies. One of the technology projects is investigating whether introducing hybrid closed loop (HCL) technology (insulin pump + CGM working together) soon after T1D diagnosis is feasible and leads to improved glycaemic outcomes. One of the model of care projects investigated whether a proposed model of care where fortnightly CGM data was reviewed led to more involved educator support (and if this new model of care is favoured by the participants), which is now in the analysis phase. The hypo projects are investigating whether the hypo treatment recommendations (what is given by the hospitals/educators) align with how people actually treat it on a day-to-day basis. This project led to another project, which is looking at changing the hypo threshold for treatment and seeing if a lower threshold makes hypo management easier, but also if it’s safe. All very exciting projects!
What T1D research breakthroughs would you like to see in the next 10 years?
We all know we’d like to see the magical “cure” sooner rather than later, and I do too! Realistically, with the sudden advancements of AI and computerised modelling, the biggest breakthroughs I’d like to see would be improvements to HCL algorithms that are even more personalised based on CGM history (even more than they are now). I think it’d be cool to see any enhancements to insulin delivery too!
What do you like to do outside of your work?
In my downtime, I enjoy playing games with my family (and by myself). I’m also an avid AFL follower and (unfortunate) Freo supporter, and I like to watch cars go around in circles. Especially fast ones.