About

Colin Patrick Hawkes is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Pediatrics (Endocrinology and Diabetes) at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine. His educational background includes a BS in Medical Science, an MBBChB in Medicine, a DCH in Child Health, an MD in Pediatrics, an MEd in Education focused on Smartphone Education in Type 1 Diabetes, a PhD in Medicine studying Growth and the GH/IGF-I Axis, and an MSc in Leadership in Healthcare. His clinical expertise encompasses growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-I, childhood growth, Type 1 diabetes, and pediatric endocrinology. His research interests include growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-I, childhood growth, and Type 1 diabetes. Hawkes has contributed to the field through various publications on topics such as growth hormone treatment, hypoglycemia in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes, racial disparities in technology use among children with Type 1 diabetes, social determinants of health, and novel genetic mutations causing hypoparathyroidism.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Internal medicine
• Endocrinology
• Pediatrics
• Family medicine

Selected publications

• CD02 Colophonium derivatives as key allergens in diabetes technology-associated allergic contact dermatitis: a hidden concern in the British Society for Cutaneous Allergy standard series

  British Journal of Dermatology · 2025-06-27

  articleOpen access

  Abstract Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and continuous glucose monitors (CGM) are integral to the management of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), improving glycaemic control and quality of life. However, allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) associated with these technologies is increasingly reported but remains underinvestigated due to the difficulty in identifying causative allergens. The British Society for Cutaneous Allergy (BSCA) standard series does not include several allergens found in medical devices, particularly colophonium derivatives, which have emerged as key allergens. The objective of this study was to identify allergens responsible for ACD in patients using CSII and CGM devices and to assess the limitations of the BSCA standard series in diagnosing device-related allergies. We studied 17 paediatric patients with adverse skin reactions to diabetes devices. All patients were patch tested with the BSCA standard series, methacrylate series and a medical device series, which included extra acrylates and colophonium derivatives. Additionally, we tested acetone extracts of six devices (Freestyle Libre 1, Freestyle Libre 2, Medtronic Guardian Sensor 3, Tandem T:slim X2, Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7) using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The study cohort included nine male patients, aged 1–16 years. Patch tests were performed on day 0 with readings on days 4 and 7. Twelve patients tested positive for device-related allergic reactions, with nine reacting to Dexcom G7, one to Dexcom G6, and two to Tandem T:slim X2. Colophonium derivatives were identified as the primary allergens, with 10 patients testing positive to a combination of colophonium 60%, methyl hydrogenated rosinate 20% and glyceryl hydrogenated rosinate 20% in the medical device series. Only one reacted to colophonium 20% in the standard series. One reacted to hexanediol diacrylate and one to N,N-dimethylaminoethyl acrylate. Isobornyl acrylate (IBOA) was confirmed as a causative allergen, with positive reactions in two patients (one to IBOA 0.1% and 0.3%, and one to IBOA 0.3%). None reacted to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate in the standard series. GC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of IBOA and methyl dehydroabietate in multiple devices. In conclusion, colophonium derivatives are a key cause of ACD in patients using diabetes technology. Our findings demonstrate that the BSCA standard series may fail to identify relevant allergens in such cases, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive testing, including device-specific allergens, to improve diagnosis. GC-MS is a valuable tool but further research is required to quantify the exact contribution of these compounds. Manufacturers must be more transparent about the materials in their devices to aid diagnosis and prevent further allergic reactions.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• The effect of letrozole on bone age maturation and estimated adult height in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia

  Endocrine Abstracts · 2025-10-31

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Overall Experiences and Perceptions of Racism of Parents of Non-Hispanic Black Children With Diabetes

  The Science of Diabetes Self-Management and Care · 2025-11-20

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  PurposeThe purpose of this study was to collect data from surveys and focus groups to describe the overall experiences and perceptions of racism of parents of non-Hispanic Black (NHB) children with diabetes.MethodsA concurrent mixed-methods research design was utilized. Surveys (General Intake, Brief Hypervigilance Scale) were obtained, and 5 focus groups (4 type 1 diabetes, 1 type 2 diabetes) were conducted with parents of NHB children followed at an urban pediatric diabetes center. A focus group guide was developed, and transcripts were coded and analyzed by the research team.ResultsForty-seven parents consented to participate in the study; 22 parents (47%) participated in 1 of 5 focus groups. Focus group participants were generally in good health and had higher education and income levels than nonparticipants. Hypervigilance (a heightened awareness to threat) was reported in parents, especially of those children with type 2 diabetes. Focus group themes related to experiences with diabetes management, including (1) communication with the diabetes team, (2) coping mechanisms, and (3) perceptions of medical racism.ConclusionsKey insights that emerged from the study included the importance of communicating openly with the diabetes team, the inequitable provision of diabetes technology, a desire for NHB role models, and high levels of hypervigilance in the participants. Innovative approaches, including trauma-informed care focused on patient/caregiver and parent voice, can help to address the racial disparities in the treatment and outcomes of youth with diabetes.

  PublisherDOI

• Interpreting positive celiac serology in children with new-onset type 1 diabetes

  Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism · 2025-01-16 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  Abstract Objectives The association of celiac disease (CD) in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is well-established, yet variation exists in screening practices. This study measures the accuracy of early screening with tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A (TTG-IgA) and endomysial antibody (EMA) in newly diagnosed T1DM. Methods This is a retrospective study of children with T1DM between 2013 and 2019 with early CD screening and follow-up. Data elements included anthropometrics, serologies, blood pH, bicarbonate, and Hemoglobin A1c. Celiac serologies were analyzed using chi-square and receiver operating characteristic curves to calculate optimal levels for predicting CD. Results A total of 1,292 children met inclusion criteria with 142 having positive celiac serologies; 47 (33.1 %) of whom were subsequently diagnosed with CD – an incidence of 3.6 %. All subjects with positive EMA and TTG-IgA ≥8 times upper limit of normal were diagnosed with CD. Gastrointestinal symptoms, BMI, and thyroid disease were not statistically significant variables in this cohort, although there was a trend toward CD in lower BMI patients and higher TTG IgA in those with markedly elevated HgbA 1c . Conclusions Early celiac screening in T1DM is reliable and promotes timely CD diagnosis and treatment. Although transient positive celiac serologies were noted, the degree of TTG-IgA elevation and EMA positivity are strong predictors of coexisting CD. Larger prospective studies using these assays will further define the risk stratification algorithm that is needed for our T1DM community.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Observational study protocol: the faecal microbiome in the acute stage of new-onset paediatric type 1 diabetes in an Irish cohort

  BMJ Open · 2025-01-01 · 3 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  INTRODUCTION: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune-mediated disorder caused by the destruction of pancreatic beta cells. Although there is an underlying genetic predisposition to developing T1D, the trigger is multifactorial and likely includes environmental factors. The intestinal microbiome has been identified as one such factor. Previous studies have illustrated differences in the microbiota of people with T1D compared with healthy controls. This study aims to describe the evolution of the microbiome and metabolome during the first year of clinical T1D, or stage 3 T1D diagnosis, and investigate whether there are differences in the microbiome and metabolome of children who present with and without diabetic ketoacidosis. The study will also explore possible associations between the microbiome, metabolome, glycaemic control and beta cell reserve. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This prospective cohort study will include children with newly diagnosed T1D and sibling controls (n=100, males and females) and their faecal microbiome will be characterised using shotgun metagenomic sequencing at multiple time points during the first year of diagnosis. We will develop a microbial culture biobank based on culturomic studies of stool samples from the healthy controls that will support future investigation. Metabolomic analysis will aim to identify additional biomarkers which may be involved in disease presentation and progression. Through this initial exploratory study, we aim to identify specific microbial biomarkers which may be used as future interventional targets throughout the various stages of T1D progression. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Cork Teaching Hospitals. Study results will be available to patients with T1D and their families, carers, support networks and microbiome societies and other researchers. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The clinicaltrials.gov registration number for this trial is NCT06157736.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Culprit allergens in diabetes technology-associated allergic contact dermatitis: investigation remains challenging

  British Journal of Dermatology · 2025-06-26 · 2 citations

  article

  Colophonium derivatives are the predominant allergens causing allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in our population in Cork, Ireland. The British Society for Cutaneous Allergy standard series does not identify many of these derivatives, potentially resulting in misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis of ACD in people using diabetes technology.

  PublisherDOI

• Building an Infrastructure to Address Racial Disparities in Treatment and Outcomes in Children with Type 1 Diabetes

  Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America · 2025-04-11 · 1 citations

  review1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• Adverse Social Determinants of Health in Children with Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes: A Potential Role for Community Health Workers

  Pediatric Diabetes · 2024-01-23 · 1 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Objective. There are significant socioeconomic and racial disparities in glycemic control among children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Community health workers (CHWs) have been shown to improve outcomes in marginalized, high-risk populations. The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the prevalence and the impact of adverse social determinants of health (SDOH) on diabetes care soon after a diagnosis of pediatric T1D, and investigate the potential supportive role of a CHW. Research Design and Methods. Caregivers of youth <17-year old, with new onset T1D, and government insurance at the time of diagnosis were enrolled. Baseline demographic and SDOH questionnaires were administered at the time of enrollment. Semistructured interviews were performed at 3 months after diagnosis to explore the effect of SDOH on diabetes care and the impact of a CHW. Results. Seventeen caregivers were enrolled, 10 were randomly assigned to a CHW. Two-thirds of caregivers identified at least one SDOH need at enrollment; 35% of caregivers identified two SDOH needs. Interviews revealed that the two major themes identified as barriers to diabetes care were caregivers’ employment and financial issues. Social support was identified as a facilitator. The transition from hospital to home after the diagnosis of T1D was improved for families working with a CHW, and the CHW was identified as a strong source of support. Conclusions. There is a high prevalence of adverse SDOH in families from lower socioeconomic status at the time of diagnosis of pediatric T1D. These SDOH have a significant impact on families’ abilities to care for their children. Preliminary data suggest that CHWs can be a facilitator to the diabetes care. This trial is registered with NCT04238949.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Approach to the Patient: Investigation of Pediatric Hypoglycemia in the Emergency Department—A Practical Algorithm

  The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2024-02-06 · 2 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Hypoglycemia in the pediatric population tends to present in the newborn period or during metabolic crisis triggered by prolonged fasting and intercurrent illness. Current recommendations to investigate all children presenting with hypoglycemia for the first time are cumbersome and costly but necessary to identify those with serious conditions who predispose to hypoglycemia. We describe a practical and cost-effective method of evaluating children who present to the emergency department with previously undiagnosed hypoglycemia. Glucose and point-of-care (POC) beta-hydroxybutyrate levels should be measured on all children with a low screening POC glucose level, and a full history and physical examination will identify those requiring further investigation. This approach is suggested to identify patients with serious and life-threatening disease with the same fidelity as the currently recommended approach of performing a critical sample on all children with hypoglycemia. Our streamlined approach will reduce the cost to approximately 10% of the current approach per patient diagnosed with a serious underlying disease. Further, children without underlying hypoglycemia-predisposing disorders will be identified and discharged without unnecessary intervention.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist monotherapy in pediatric non-classical 11β-hydroxylase deficiency

  Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism · 2024-09-19

  articleSenior author

  OBJECTIVES: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an uncommon genetic disorder which affects cortisol production in the adrenal glands. It is usually treated with glucocorticoids. We present a case of non-classical CAH caused by the partial deficiency of 11 beta-hydroxylase (11βOH) which was treated with aldosterone antagonist (eplerenone) monotherapy. CASE PRESENTATION: An adolescent male was diagnosed with 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency (11βOHD) at 13 years of age when he presented with hypertension, fatigue and headaches. He was initially treated with glucocorticoids, but requested an alternative therapy. Eplerenone was commenced at 25 mg with subsequent dose increases to 100 mg daily. His hypertension was controlled on this regimen, achieving a 24 h average blood pressure of 124/81 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: CAH caused by 11βOHD is a known cause of hypertension. It is usually managed with glucocorticoids, and antihypertensives are added if blood pressure remains uncontrolled. In this case, glucocorticoid therapy was not tolerated and treatment with aldosterone antagonist monotherapy was effective in controlling his hypertension.

  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Adda Grimberg

  68 shared

• Terri H. Lipman

  University of Pennsylvania

  62 shared

• Jonathan O’B Hourihane

  Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

  47 shared

• Sogol Mostoufi‐Moab

  Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

  38 shared

• Gemma Kelleher

  Cork University Hospital

  37 shared

• Eugene Dempsey

  Infant

  37 shared

• B Mc Coy

  Tallaght University Hospital

  36 shared

• Claire Purcell

  Tallaght University Hospital

  36 shared