Two young siblings from Norwich have helped shape the future of diabetes treatment across Europe after taking part in a new and pioneering trial.

Bailey Amiss, 9, of Wild Road, Norwich, joined a new study known as Pre-Point which aimed to reduce the risk of developing diabetes for those who have relatives with the condition.

His sister Kaitlin, 6, and father Steve, 33, have both got type one diabetes. meaning Bailey, who is autistic, had a high risk of becoming diabetic.

Bailey was the only British participant in the study, which also included 14 children from Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and USA.

The study has proved a success and the oral-drug tested by Bailey is due to be rolled out for the next stage of testing on a wider group of people.

It means Bailey, who would take one tablet orally every day for six months, has reduced his risk of developing diabetes.

Meanwhile Kaitlin has been trialling a new type of insulin known as Degludec, which could last double the duration of traditional insulin.

Degludec has now been licensed for use by children aged between one and 17 in the EU.

Both studies have been carried out at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (N&N).

Bailey and Kaitlin's mother Tina Amiss, 32, said: 'For us to be reassured that the chances of him developing the condition have been lowered is just lovely.

'I was over the moon about it.

'Bailey likes routine so if he developed diabetes he'd find it hard to deal with.

'I'd encourage families to take part in trials. Medicine doesn't advance if you don't help it.'

Dr Nandu Thalange, consultant paediatric endocrinologist in charge of the two studies at the N&N, said: 'Ground-breaking research that's being carried out at hospitals in the eastern region is having a huge impact on medical treatments in this country and across the world.

'The progress our NHS teams are making wouldn't be possible without the generosity of incredible participants like Kaitlin and Bailey.

'We give thanks to them and the thousands of others who are willing to take part in our research to try to give patients of the future a better chance of treatment.'

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Email our health correspondent at nicholas.carding@archant.co.uk