The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has launched a new joint strategy to spearhead the direction of diabetes research in the UK.
The report, which has been published in partnership with Diabetes UK, is aiming to promote research that boosts quality of care and turbocharges progress towards breakthrough treatments for people with, or at risk of, diabetes.
Developed in consultation with patients, researchers, clinicians and other subject experts from every part of the UK, the report sets out six key areas to increase research activity and subsequently address unmet need. They include:
- Prevention of type 2 diabetes and obesity
- Gestational diabetes
- Multiple long-term conditions
- Transferring research outcomes in practice
- Addressing health inequalities in diabetes
- Supporting future research leaders and nurturing expert skills
NIHR Chief Executive, Professor Lucy Chappell, said: “This strategy highlights a range of great examples of where research has been translated into improvements in outcomes for people with diabetes, and the factors that have enabled this success.
“But it also shows where more work is needed, such as addressing those where diabetes exists alongside other long-term conditions, improving management of diabetes in pregnancy, tackling health inequalities and supporting the next generation of researchers.
“We look forward to building on our partnership with Diabetes UK and other funders, working with the research community to address the challenges facing people with and at risk of diabetes."
Diabetes UK’s Assistant Director of Research, Anna Morris, added: “We are delighted to publish this strategy developed in partnership with the NIHR. It highlights the transformational difference clinical and applied research has already made to diabetes care and shines a light on areas in need of increased activity, along with Diabetes UK’s and the NIHR’s commitment to work together to address this unmet need.
"The strategy highlights areas where the stark under investment is in contrast with the scale and impact of the challenge, such as the prevention of type 2 diabetes and understanding, preventing and managing gestational diabetes. We hope that the community of researchers and funders take up the challenge to drive forward progress in these areas.”
To access the strategy, click here.
