Study of Skin Microcirculation in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Using a Contactless Imaging Device to Detect Diabetic Microangiopathy

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a new contactless and non-invasive method to measure how the skins tiny blood vessels and their regulatory functions work in both healthy people and those with type 1 diabetes-related microvascular disease. The goal is to find an early way to detect diabetic complications before severe small vessel damage develops. This observational study uses advanced imaging to better understand microangiopathy linked to diabetes. The study uses an investigational device called the TCI P4, which shines patterned light on the skin and captures detailed images to analyze skin structure and molecular makeup, including oxygen and blood content. Measurements from this device will be compared to other established tools like laser speckle contrast imaging and the EPOS system to validate its accuracy. Participants include groups categorized by different severity levels of microvascular complications related to diabetes, as well as healthy controls. Participants will undergo evaluations that measure blood flow responses in the skin, specifically peak perfusion after warming the area and blood flow patterns in the soles of the feet. These assessments happen within one day of enrollment. The study will monitor these microvascular functions to understand their relationship with diabetic damage. Participation involves a single-day visit for these imaging tests. The study is sponsored by Karolinska Institutet and plans to continue until December 2027.

Microangiopathy in Diabetes