A group of Diabetes Scotland supporters were invited to visit research labs at University of Edinburgh recently to find out more about Diabetes UK-funded research.
Among the group were some of the charity’s most passionate and dedicated fundraisers. Without this support, we would not be able to fund the ground-breaking research leading us towards better prevention and treatment of diabetes and, eventually, a cure.
In addition to touring the University of Edinburgh research facilities at the Western General Campus, the group also learned about the vital work that is being carried out to help create a world where diabetes can do no harm.
Professor Helen Colhoun, a leading diabetes scientist funded by Diabetes UK, introduced the group to her work using big data to help us better understand how to prevent diabetes and its complications. By harnessing large scale data available through e-health databases and bio banks, her team can identify genes linked to diabetes to inform new drug development.
Lively discussion followed the presentations with the guests and researchers asking about current projects, motivations, priorities and thoughts for the future.
Professor Colhoun said: “The event provided an important opportunity for my team to demonstrate our deep commitment to conducting useful research to the highest standards and to hear from those with diabetes and their carers what their priorities are for research.”
Angela Mitchell, National Director of Diabetes UK, said:
“We’d like to say a big thank you to Professor Colhoun and her team for inviting us to visit the lab and find out more about the Diabetes UK-funded projects they’re working on. Our supporters and I learned a great deal about the research currently underway to better understand and treat diabetes.
Knowing that such dedicated and passionate people are working so hard on behalf of the diabetes community, we all left feeling very optimistic about the future.”
