Dr Faye Riley
Research Communications Manager, Diabetes UK
With over 5 million people in the UK now living with diabetes, and millions more at risk of developing type 2, diabetes research has never been more urgent.
For more than 85 years, Diabetes UK has been at the forefront of driving diabetes research forward. Our scientists have made incredible breakthroughs — from tackling sight loss to putting type 2 into remission, and we’re getting closer to a cure every day.
Developments in diabetes research
Diabetes UK funded the first insulin pen, which transformed the way that people living with diabetes received vital medication. From needing to use glass syringes and steel needles to draw insulin up from a vial in the 1970s, insulin pens have allowed people living with diabetes to inject insulin with the push of a button. In 2020, more than 700,000 people in England were using insulin pens.
Living with type 1 diabetes
Since the insulin pen, we’ve carried on backing innovative ideas, like the artificial pancreas, pushing the boundaries of insulin treatment even further. Living with type 1 diabetes is a relentless juggling act — having to work out the amount of insulin you need depending on what you eat; what you’re doing; how you’re feeling.
The artificial pancreas, also known as Hybrid Closed Loop (HCL) technology, can remove some of this burden by calculating and delivering insulin doses. Diabetes UK’s research has been pioneering this technology since 1977; and this year, we’re expecting access to be widened through the NHS so that more people living with type 1 diabetes can benefit.
Every week, diabetes leads to 184 amputations,
more than 770 strokes, 590 heart attacks and
2,300 cases of heart failure.
Type 2 diabetes remission programme
For people living with type 2 diabetes, our DiRECT study changed the game when it showed that type 2 diabetes remission is possible for some through diet-induced weight loss. Remission means people no longer need to use diabetes medications to manage their blood sugar levels and could reduce their risk of diabetes complications. In 2023, new DiRECT results revealed that some people can stay in remission for at least five years. NHS England announced that it would roll out remission programmes, giving thousands more people the chance to put their type 2 diabetes into remission.
Supporting people living with diabetes
Every week, diabetes leads to 184 amputations, more than 770 strokes, 590 heart attacks and 2,300 cases of heart failure. Now, more than ever, we need research to help us tackle health inequalities and ensure everyone with diabetes can live well for longer. With support, we can make this possible.
