Diabetes research in Exeter began in 1987

Eight Exeter diabetes discoveries

Our world-leading diabetes research is underpinned by our expertise in genomics and cutting-edge innovation in technology.

Our advances span from discovering biological causes and mechanisms, to improving diagnosis and treatment worldwide, to prevention and supporting people to live healthier lifestyles.

To mark Diabetes Week, we’re celebrating eight Exeter Diabetes discoveries that are changing lives worldwide.

1. New risk score far more effective for diabetes diagnosis
A new way of screening babies and adults for future risk of type 1 diabetes will be much more effective at identifying the condition than current methods

2. How both mother and baby genes affect birth weight
The largest study of its kind has led to new insights into the complex relationships surrounding how mothers’ and babies’ genes influence birth weight.

3. Research changes GP guidelines on frailty in diabetes
New guidelines will help GPs get the best outcomes for older people with diabetes after they were changed to include specific advice around frailty.

4. Simple, cheap C-Peptide helps patients get the right diabetes diagnosis and treatment
A simple and inexpensive test to measure the body’s insulin levels is helping clinicians to determine what type of diabetes a patient has, meaning many people with diabetes can change treatment.

5. A third of type one diabetes is misdiagnosed in the over 30s
More than a third of people over the age of 30 who are initially diagnosed with type 2 diabetes actually have type 1, meaning they are not receiving the right treatment.

6. Research reveals insulin-producing beta cells may change function in diabetes
A revolutionary new study using only materials derived from humans has revealed that insulin-producing beta cells can change their function in diabetes – and that this change may be reversible.

7. Genetic factors tied to obesity may protect against diabetes
Some genetic variations associated with obesity actually protect against Type 2 diabetes, heart attack and stroke

8. Weight gain from adolescence linked to higher risk of type 2 diabetes
children who are overweight at age 10 and remain so appear to be at lower risk for developing T2D than children who are regular weight at age 10 and then later become overweight as adults.

To find out more about diabetes research at Exeter, follow #ExeterDiabetes on Twitter.

Date: 13 June 2019