The team will use animal cell models to alter specific star-shaped brain cells which are known for carrying messages in the brain.

£152,000 grant to investigate brain processes linked to diabetes

A grant of £152,000 will allow researchers to investigate how manipulating specific brain cells can impact the body’s response to changes in blood sugar levels, which may help uncover the processes involved in diabetes.

Dr Kate Ellacott and her team, in collaboration with Dr Craig Beall, have received the grant from Diabetes UK over two years to fund their research.

Dr Ellacott, Senior Lecturer at the University of Exeter Medical School, said: “I’m really excited we have been awarded this funding to carry out our research on these specific cells. We believe these cells help the brain respond to changes in blood sugar and so they could be vital to target in potential diabetes treatment.”

The team will use animal cell models to alter specific star-shaped brain cells which are known for carrying messages in the brain. The team believe these cells may be involved in communicating blood sugar levels to the brain and coordinating appropriate responses.

Kamini Shah, Head of Research Funding at Diabetes UK, said: “Living with diabetes, and trying to keep your blood sugar levels from going too high or too low, can be like walking a tightrope. But Dr Ellacott’s research could help us understand if – in the future – we could develop new treatments that target brain cells to help protect people with diabetes from dangerous blood sugar levels.

“The vital research we fund is only possible thanks to the dedication of scientists like Dr Ellacott and the generosity of our supporters.”

To find out more about latest research visit the Medical School News page and follow #ExeterDiabetes on Twitter.

Date: 19 February 2020