The Search for Diabetes in Youth Study (SEARCH)

What is SEARCH?

The Search for Diabetes in Youth Study (SEARCH) is a 5 year, multi-center study designed to identify and enroll all eligible cases of diabetes among individuals under age 20 in the U.S. that exist in the year 2001 or that are newly diagnosed on and after January 1, 2002 through 2004.

SEARCH Background

Individuals under age 20 with existing or newly diagnosed cases of diabetes can participate in the SEARCH study examination, which includes: interview, physical examination, blood draw, and questionnaire. The interview will collect information on medical history, use of medications, processes of care, socioeconomic status, determinants of health, family history of diabetes, and quality of life. In youth aged 10 years and older, standardized questionnaires are used to assess physical activity, smoking habits, diabetes-related counseling, diet and eating disorders, and depression. The physical examination includes blood pressure, height, weight, and body measurement and examination for disease associated with insulin resistance. A variety of factors such as diabetes autoantibodies, HbA1c and lipid levels are also measured.

SEARCH Objectives

The primary aim of the SEARCH study is to estimate the existing or newly diagnosed cases for type 1, type 2, and other types of diabetes within the population by age, gender, and race/ethnicity, This will involve developing efficient and practical approaches to classification of diabetes type, and describing and comparing clinical presentation and course of type 1, type 2, and other types of diabetes.

SEARCH Centers

The SEARCH Study is composed of six clinical centers, one data coordinating center and one laboratory center, co-funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.