Research Assistant - Peter Delane
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Peter is one of our inaugural Honours scholarship recipients at the Centre. After completing his project at the end of last year, graduating with First Class Honours, he joined the RioTinto Children's Diabetes Centre as a research assistant this month.
What was your project last year?
My Honours project last year investigated vitamin D levels in pregnant mothers and children where the child was deemed at risk of type 1 diabetes (where they had immediate family living with T1D). The primary outcome of the project looked at the relationship between maternal and infant vitamin D concentrations. Huge thanks to my supervisors Aveni (from the Children’s Diabetes Centre) and Paul (UWA) for all their help!
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 T1. 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 last year, 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?
I am currently involved in four research projects: two in the technology space and two involving hypoglycaemia management. One of the technology projects is investigating whether introducing hybrid closed loop (HCL) technology (pump + CGM working together) soon after T1D diagnosis is feasible and leads to improved glycaemic outcomes. The other tech-based project is investigating a proposed model of care where fortnightly CGM data reviews lead to more involved educator support (and if this new model of care is favoured by the participants). The hypo projects are investigating whether the hypo treatment protocol (what is given by the hospitals/educators) align with how people actually treat it on a day-to-day basis. This project leads into the other project, which will look at potentially changing the hypo threshold for treatment. 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! (No more pesky flow blockages, please)
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 like to watch cars go around in circles. Especially fast ones.