Cause and prevention

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Prevention of diabetes and its complications 

The prevalence of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is increasing rapidly. The incidence of Type 1 diabetes in children is rising at a rate of three to four per cent a year but the reason for this is unknown. The increase in Type 2 diabetes is closely linked to an aging population and rapidly rising numbers of obese or overweight people. Type 2 diabetes, traditionally a condition associated with older age groups is now appearing in children and adolescents.

Diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, limb amputations and birth defects. We need to understand what causes diabetes and its complications in order to find effective ways of preventing it from developing in those at risk. The loss of life and reduced quality of life in large numbers of people as the prevalence of diabetes rises is unacceptable. Advances in our knowledge as to what causes diabetes and its complications and the development of effective ways to prevent it, will have significant impact on peoples lives as well as reducing the diabetes burden on healthcare systems worldwide.

• Epidemiological studies
• Causes of diabetes
  - Environmental
  - Genetic factors
  - Obesity / adiposity
  - immune system / infection
  - anti-inflammatory drugs
• Complications
  - vascular disease (heart and blood vessels)
  - erectile dysfunction
  - neuropathy (nerves)
  - nephropathy (kidneys)
  - retinopathy (eyes)
• Preventing diabetes
• Basic science
  - molecular and cellular aspects of diabetes
  - beta cell function and physiology
  - insulin resistance
  - insulin synthesis and secretion
  - insulin signalling