Talking with Dr Aveni Haynes: Research into early detection of T1D in young children at risk

We sat down with Dr Aveni Haynes to hear from a woman in STEM who inspires in the world of type 1 diabetes (T1D). 

What drew you to a career in T1D research?

“While training to become a doctor, I was fascinated by the complexity and ingenuity of the human body and to date I am driven to better understand why some children develop type 1 diabetes and others don’t so that we can prevent it.”

Can you tell us a bit about your research?

“Although we don’t yet know what causes type 1 diabetes, we do know that it starts very early in life and that it can take months to years before symptoms and signs appear.  My research is using continuous glucose monitoring devices, to investigate how and when sugar patterns change during these early stages of type 1 diabetes, in very young children at risk. The detailed data they provide can be analysed to identify when the condition is progressing and the children may benefit from intervention with disease modifying therapies in the near future.”

What are you hoping to achieve for the future of T1D?

“My mission is to do all that I can to enable a world where type 1 becomes type none. I am collaborating with global and national experts to determine the best way of monitoring children identified as being at risk of developing type 1 diabetes. I hope that my research will contribute to the development of effective strategies to delay, and ultimately prevent, the clinical onset of type 1 diabetes and the need for daily treatment with insulin.”

What advice do you have for other women and girls interested in a career in science/STEM?

“If you want to apply your skills and knowledge to solving problems and addressing challenges that will make a positive difference for people and the planet, then a career in science/STEM is for you. There is so much still to learn and discover!”

This is just the tip of the iceberg of the amazing research Dr Aveni Haynes has been doing. We loved hearing about one of the exciting research projects aiming to combat this condition and are keen to follow along her progress as we all work towards a world without T1D.