Newcastle University

Diabetes

Diabetes research within the ICM is part of the cross-faculty Diabetes Research Group. Our work is focused on translational research, with three broad themes.

Our novel therapies work (Shaw, Home) has with particular emphasis on investigating immune-modulation and cell-based therapies, with an emerging focus on stem cell biology and islet cell transplantation.

We study glucose homeostasis and insulin action (Agius, Walker, Taylor) in health and disease, using cell based systems (human muscle cells, hepatocytes) and by clinical investigation using magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

We also investigate the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications (Walker, Marshall), by studying the genetic basis of type 2 diabetes and diabetes-related complications, and with clinical studies of diabetic nephropathy and cardiovascular risk in diabetes.

We have strong links with other research groups across the Faculty (Institutes of Human Genetics, Ageing, Stem cells and Regenerative Medicine and Health and Society), and with international collaborations including the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium.  Diabetes with Liver research is one of the four key components of the Wellcome Trust Interdisciplinary training programme in translational medicine. The NIHR North East and Cumbria Diabetes LRN operates from Newcastle and provides essential support for the setting up and running of clinical studies in diabetes. Diabetes research is also one of the key themes of the Newcastle NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ageing Research.