University of Birmingham

ELSA Study

Early Surveillance for Autoimmune diabetes study

The ELSA Study is the largest type1 diabetes screening programme for children in the UK.

ELSA initially launched in the West Midlands as a regional feasibility study, it has since expanded into a nationwide programme. Results from the first phase show that screening is both feasible and acceptable, with tens of thousands of families taking part.

By identifying children at higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes before symptoms appear, the programme aims to reduce emergency diagnoses and give families more time to understand and manage the condition.

Morph solution

We have worked with the ELSA team over several years, supporting the programme as it expanded in scale and scope. As new phases were introduced and the target age range widened, communication materials were refined to ensure they remained clear, age-appropriate, and engaging for children and their families.

Patient Information Animations — a series of clear, easy-to-follow animations explaining what participation in each phase involved. Designed to be accessible to both parents and children, they helped families understand screening and reduced anxiety around taking part.
Extra Animations - we produced additional animations to communicate key information, including guidance on home testing
Participant Information Tool (PIT) — an interactive digital version of the patient information sheet, guiding families step by step through key details. Combining animation and structured written content, it supported informed decision-making across a large national participant base and was updated as the programme developed.
Study Website — developed as the central hub for ELSA, bringing together all key materials in one accessible space. As the study progressed, the site expanded to reflect new phases and age groups, maintaining a consistent and family-friendly experience throughout.

The ELSA website has even been used as a case study by the Clinical Research Network as a good example of a study site!

An overwhelmingly positive aspect has been the website. All families have commented on how clear and easy to use it is. A few have commented on the quality of the infographics and videos shown to their children.

We wanted to thank you for supporting the success of the ELSA study!

Dr Lauren Quinn, University of Birmingham

The ELSA Study Animation

The ElSA study is testing a type one diabetes screening program for children and young adults.

We want to find out whether a simple blood test can tell us whether your child is likely to develop type one diabetes in the future.

This information will allow us to start treatment sooner.

Diabetes is a serious, lifelong condition.

There are two main types of diabetes.

Type two diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors and is less common in children.

Type one diabetes is caused by the body's own immune system destroying the pancreas and organ in the body that produces insulin.

Insulin is a natural hormone needed by your body to convert glucose into the energy needed for everyday life.

Children who develop Type one diabetes can become extremely unwell and need to take insulin straight away and continue for the rest of their lives.

If diabetes is not managed properly, it can lead to increased health risks.

Around the world research studies are identifying children at high risk of developing Type one diabetes.

There are many advantages to knowing if your child is at risk.

These include identifying Type one diabetes earlier so that children can be started on treatment sooner and do not get too unwell.

The Elsa study is screening children age two to 17 years for type one diabetes.

Taking part involves a simple finger stick blood test.

You can choose to do the test at home, at school, at your doctors, or in community centres near you.

If the test is negative your child will not need any more tests in the ELSA study.

If the test is positive your child will be invited to come to the hospital to have some more tests to confirm if your child is at high risk.

We understand it may be distressing for the family to find out that your child is at risk of developing type one diabetes.

The ELSA study team are here to support families with this information.

Your family will be invited to an education session so we can explain what this risk means for your child's future and what the available options are.

For example, you can choose to enter your child into a monitoring program so we can do more regular checkups and we'll let you know about studies that may help delay the start of type one diabetes.

Every family who takes part in the ELSA study will be helping us to understand more about type one diabetes.

If you would like to take part in the ELSA study or find out more information, please visit our website or contact the ElSA study team.

Thank you.