A worker at Guy’s Hospital is encouraging south Londoners to use World Diabetes Day to support research into the disease.
Andra Cosma, head of partner liaison and planning at the National Institute for Health and Care Research South London Regional Research Delivery Network based at the hospital in Southwark, was diagnosed with Type One diabetes 11 years ago.
The disease prevents the pancreas from producing insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar, and Cosma underlined why more people are needed to join research in the hope of one day finding a cure.
Cosma said: “Living with Type One diabetes takes a toll both mentally and physically.
“There is still so much to learn about Type One diabetes.
“A cure is the goal.
“However, until then, there needs to be more research and education.”
An estimated 4.4million people in the UK live with diabetes and 14 November marks the annual day of global awareness for the disease.
Cosma explained how every day for her and other diabetics involves life-or-death choices around what to eat, when to inject insulin, how much to inject, and how to adjust for exercise or stress.
Cosma said: “Type One diabetes research is essential because it is a serious, life-long autoimmune condition that requires constant management to prevent severe health complications.
“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 One diabetes help drive these breakthroughs, making life easier and healthier for everyone affected by the disease both now and in the future.”
Anyone interested can take part in the latest diabetes research taking place in south London on the Be Part of Research website.
People can also create a free health research account to get matched to studies on diabetes and other health conditions.
