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Date: 22 May 2013
Time: 08:27
Areas of research in diabetes
Basic science
A major piece of work is underway with the University of Birmingham to study the way the human immune system interacts with diabetes. This research uses blood samples from type one diabetes patients to study how the immune system targets and attacks insulin-producing cells called beta-cells, which are found in part of the pancreas.
The study is also looking at how these cells are regulated and how obesity affects the interactions with the immune system. It could eventually lead to a new drug which helps reduce the effects of type one diabetes.
Commercial trials
The major commercial trial underway at the hospital is the Dual trial, looking at the effectiveness of a drug called liraglutide and an insulin called Degludec in treating type two diabetes. Liraglutide is a long-acting drug which helps to increase insulin secretion, It has also been shown to help suppress appetite and has been marketed under the brand name Victoza. Digludec is a long-acting form of insulin. Both drugs are produced by Novo Nordisk.
Non-commercial studies
Extod
The major non-commercial study underway at the moment is the Exercise Therapy in Type One Diabetes (Extod). This national study is led by Dr Parth Narendran, who is based at UHB’s Diabetes Centre at Selly Oak, and looks at the ways in which exercise can be used to control the symptoms of type One diabetes. While extensive research has been done in this type of treatment for type two diabetes, it is relatively new for type one.
The study involves collaboration with the University of Birmingham, as well as the University of Bristol and University of Bath, and looks at the impact on patients of ensuring they meet recommended levels of daily physical activity.
Chronic Disease Research Centre (CDRC)
The CDRC is a major partnership between UHB, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity and the Birmingham & Black Country Comprehensive Local Research Network.
It is designed to collect and study the natural history of a number of diseases and their associated complications. The centre will provide opportunities for information sharing and networking by bringing together clinicians and researchers involved in managing a variety of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and (COPD) and kidney disease.
The aim of the centre is to encourage research partnerships which will enhance our understanding of chronic disease, and to build an integrated approach to developing long-term prevention and treatment strategies.
Immunology of diabetes
This is a major collaboration between UHB and the University of Birmingham to study the way in which the human immune system is involved in the development of type 1 diabetes. This research uses blood samples from type 1 diabetes patients to study how the immune system targets and attacks the pancreatic insulin-producing beta-cells, the process which results in type 1 diabetes.
In particular, the study examines how immune cells are regulated, and how obesity affects the interactions with the immune system. A basic understanding of these principles will be required if we are to develop therapies to delay or prevent type 1 diabetes.
Trialnet
Trialnet is a worldwide research study which aims to understand the way type 1 diabetes develops. It is recruiting relatives of patients with type 1 diabetes with the aim of screening them for diabetes risk, and also to offer them prevention trials for type 1 diabetes. The initial screening involves a simple blood test to look for the presence of diabetes related auto antibodies. These auto antibodies may appear several years before symptoms of diabetes develops.
Treat 4 Ramadan
Treat 4 Ramadan is a large national study using a drug called liraglutide in combination with metformin, in type 2 diabetic Asian patients. It is designed to investigate the effectiveness of this treatment in the management of blood sugar control, weight maintenance and the reduction of hypoglycaemic events, experienced during the fasting period of Ramadan. The study is led by Dr Wasim Hanif at UHB and is a collaboration between UHB, the University of Leicester and the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.
Further information
For more information on research into diabetes at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB), including opportunities for collaborative work, please see the "Contact Research and Development" page (link below).
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