Belgian Diabetes Registry

In the past few years, the BDR has developed into an important instrument to outline future health policy regarding diabetes, based on the prediction and prevention of the disease. Not only a methodology to measure and follow the incidence of type 1 diabetes under age 40 was developed, in addition, a network was established to perform innovating and internationally competitive studies for the prevention or cure of diabetes. A multidisciplinary and multicentric steering committee determines the policy of BDR. This committee can compose working groups to prepare and implement new projects. An ethical committee composed of physicians, paramedics, laymen and lawyers supervises the ethical aspects of the submitted projects. All members of the BDR are annually invited to the General Assembly, where the projects and scientific results are discussed. The central unit is responsible for collecting blood samples and data as well as storing and securing this material. Moreover, it takes care of the communication between (inter)national researchers leading scientific projects and reference laboratories performing specialised tests. In addition, the team provides backflow of information to clinical centres, patients, families and authorities. The central unit organises meetings of the steering committee, ethical committee, working groups, the annual General Assembly.