Cross-border diabetes research

[Posted: Tue 03/11/2009 by Joanne McCarthy]

A cross-border partnership in diabetes-related research is being undertaken by scientists at the University of Ulster and NUI Galway.

Diabetes has been targeted because of its increasing prevalence and the associated healthcare costs.

The new Atlantic-Alliance for Cooperation on Research into Diabetes (Atlantic – ACORD) initiative brings together clinicians and researchers from the health service, academia and industry and patients to develop innovative solutions to problems related to the growing problem of diabetes.

Participants will also involve allied health professionals including dieticians, podiatrists, diabetes specialist nurses, IT specialists and psychologists.

The researchers will focus on health technologies, the use of geographical information systems, diabetes in pregnancy and beta cell engineering.

It is hoped the cross-border cooperation will help bring improvements in prevention, treatment and management of diabetes.