Clinical Prof TW Jones, Associate Clinical Prof EA Davis
The year 2013 saw the progress in our research from purely lab-based studies towards taking a step closer to translational research. This is especially in regards to the following areas of research into ways of improving the life of consumers with type 1 diabetes.
The areas in focus are:
- The in clinic technology studies using sensor-augmented pump therapy, closed-loop insulin delivery systems and predictive low glucose management were aimed at reducing glycaemic excursions and hypoglycaemic events. This will be a boon to patients as hypoglycaemia negatively impacts on health and quality of life. The next milestone is to test the efficacy and safety of these systems with real life variables in the home environment.
- We investigated the factors which could impact on guidelines provided to patients with type 1 diabetes in reducing the risk of hypoglycaemia associated with exercise. The potential management strategies that could be implemented to enable type 1 diabetes patients to exercise safely, will now be tested in free-living clinical trials.
- The effect of varying macronutrient content of a meal on subsequent glycaemic excursions, was tested with the goal of later quantifying the insulin requirements and the pattern of insulin requirements for meals that vary in their protein and fat content, when the carbohydrate content is kept constant. This will enable reduction of post prandial glycaemic excursions and improve the management of patients with Type 1 diabetes
To help us move forward into translational research, we have initiated a consumer participation working party to evaluate the needs of patients with regards to their health care and sharing of health research information with them. At this early stage, the first step has been an evaluation of the preferred method of communication with patients and their families about the information from the clinical and research areas of our group.