Our research projects

Some people with type 2 diabetes might have differences in how their brains get messages about sweet flavours. Dr Sally Eldeghaidy wants to find out more about why this is, by looking for signals in brain scans. Her project could lead to a better understanding about how sweet things taste to people with type 2, and make it easier for them to choose healthier food and increase their chance of putting their type 2 diabetes into remission.

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes that can lead to vision loss. People who have had this condition for more than five years may be at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Dr Karis Little aims to better understand the connection between these two conditions by studying the systems in the brain and eye that remove waste. Better understanding what retinopathy and Alzheimer’s disease have in common could provide insights into how retinopathy develops and help identify new treatments.

Women who develop type 2 diabetes under the age of 40 have a greater risk of complications during pregnancy, including stillbirth. Professor Claire Meek will explore if and how continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can help these women to have safer pregnancies. This research could reshape future care for women with early-onset type 2 diabetes, helping to make sure they have access to the tools they need.

People with diabetes are at an increased risk of health problems as they age. But doctors don’t usually monitor how older people with diabetes are ageing physically. Professor Bain now wants to develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI) programme that measures the physical ability levels of older people with type 2 diabetes. This could help to better understand the diverse needs of older people with diabetes and use this to make care more personalised.  
 

During menopause, falling oestrogen levels can make it harder to keep blood sugar levels steady. Dr Ruth Brauer will explore whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help women with diabetes manage their blood sugars, or delay the development of type 2 in those at high risk. She’ll also shine a light on whether some women face unfair inequities in menopause care, helping to improve support for everyone. This project could transform how menopause care supports women with or at risk of diabetes, during what can be a challenging stage of life. 

Insulin-making beta cells respond differently to stress in women and men. Dr Aileen King wants to understand why this is, and if treatments tailored to men and women could treat both type 1 and type 2 diabetes more effectively. 

Beta cells have the job of making insulin, but when they’re overworked in people living with type 2 diabetes, they start to burn out. Professor Nigel Irwin is exploring a new treatment that hopes to help beta cells recharge, so they carry on making enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels on an even keel.

People living with diabetes are invited to attend routine eye screening appointments to protect their eye health. However, eye drops used during these visits can be uncomfortable and irritating and put people off attending. Professor Scanlon is testing whether a new camera can avoid the need for eye drops in Asian and African-Caribbean people. This research could protect more people from different ethnicities against diabetes-related eye damage.