The Diabetes Federation annual AGM held in November in Croke Park was followed by a forum on diabetes research. Over the last number of years the Diabetes Federation has funded a range of diabetes research projects in Ireland and invited the researchers to update its members on their progress and results to date.
The Federation had given funds to a 'Diabetic Foot Study' in Galway. This three-year research study, which started in July 2008, is studying foot problems in a group of patients with diabetes from the West of Ireland. The research will help inform policy decision makers on the merits of a national diabetic foot programme for all people with diabetes in Ireland. The cost of this study will be approximately €200,000.
"This is a very practical research project, which i think is the way to go in terms of how we spend our research budget" Federation Chairman, Jim Byrne, told the AGM."Our research forum today showcases the many studies we have recently funded"
The include a study by Dr Donal O'Shea in Loughlinstown Hospital that looked into people with type 2 diabetes undergoing Bariatric surgery (surgery on the stomach to help someone lose weight) over a three-year period. It may lead to identifying how and what fat cells need to do to protect us from the harmful effects of obesity. This might lead to new treatments that help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.
Professor John Todd of Cambridge University in the UK also addressed the research forum. Professor Todd's research centres on the molecular genetic and mechanistic basis of type 1 diabetes which is funded by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Other research speakers were:
• Dr Susan Smith (Trinity Centre for Health Sciences) on patient peer support for people with diabetes.
• Dr Mensud Hatunic (St James' Hospital) on insulin resistance in obesity and type 2 diabetes.
• Anna Clarke (Federation Research and Health Promotion Manager) who looked at the perceptions and behaviours of people with type 2 diabetes.
Kieran O'Leary, CEO of the Federation, told the AGM about their work on:
• Advocating for diabetes services
• Improving support, information and awareness through the expanding CODE programmes
• Other support services
• Research activities.
The focus for 2009 would be on getting the recommendations of the report produced by the Expert Advisory Group put in place. The Federation also continue to:
• Roll out the CODE education programmes across the country
• Promote diabetes awareness and a healthy lifestyle
• Provide diabetes screening
• Expand the T4DI community awareness scheme
• Provide workshops for parents of children with diabetes
• Look to improve access to mortgage protection for people with diabetes
• Expand research activities
• Work to eliminate discrimination against people with diabetes
• Maintain services in the current economic climate
"With the increase in the prevalence of diabetes, we need to educate the diabetes community on the effective management of diabetes and raise awareness of the condition. It is very important that people know how important it is to move to a healthier lifestyle" said Kieran O'Leary, Federation CEO.
The Federation had campaigned during the year for stronger clinical guidelines for type 2 diabetes and for a national retinopathy (diabetes-related eye disease) screening programme.
The number of children and adolescents with diabetes was growing and Mr O'Leary told the AGM about the Federation's work in the Sweetpea Kids Club for children with diabetes. The Federation has also organised a conference for teenagers in Spring 2009 and this is now nearly booked out. There will also be a national activity day for adolescents on 17 July 2009.
In addition to CODE, the Federation made 39 visits to workplaces where it assessed and offered information to 1,653 people. Of these, 232 were identified with one or more high risk diabetes symptoms and referred to their GP.
APP/KOL/AC 13/02/2009