Woman urges people to support diabetes research
- 14 November 2024
- 2 min read
A woman living with Type 1 diabetes is urging the public to support research into the condition on World Diabetes Day.
Type 1 diabetes is a disease that prevents the pancreas from producing insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. World Diabetes Day is a global awareness campaign that takes place on 14 November each year. It is estimated that 4.4 million people in the UK live with diabetes, according to Diabetes UK.
Andra Cosma is Head of Partner Liaison and Planning at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) South London Regional Research Delivery Network (RDN). The organisation is hosted by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in Guy’s Hospital in Southwark. Andra was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in April 2013. Andra said:
"Imagine that every day, from the moment you wake up to the time you go to bed, your body doesn't naturally regulate blood sugar. Your life depends on making the right choices about food, exercise, stress management, and insulin—throughout the day. Every decision you make—what to eat, when to inject insulin, how much to inject, and how to adjust for exercise or stress—is a careful calculation that affects your health and safety.
"Type 1 diabetes research is essential because it is a serious, life-long autoimmune condition that requires constant management to prevent severe health complications. Living with Type 1 diabetes takes a toll both mentally and physically.
"There is still so much to learn about Type 1 diabetes. A cure is the goal. However, until then, there needs to be more research and education. The focus needs to be on day-to-day management and even the impacts of certain foods on digestion and, in turn, injection times to prevent highs and lows. By taking part in research, people with Type 1 diabetes help drive these breakthroughs, making life easier and healthier for everyone affected by the disease both now and in the future."
The NIHR is the UK's largest funder of health and care research. The NIHR RDN enables the health and care system to attract, optimise and deliver research across England.
Find and take part in the latest diabetes research taking place in south London on the Be Part of Research website. Or create a free health research account to get matched to studies on diabetes and other health conditions.
