With an estimated 1000 people in the county suffering from type 1 diabetes, Carmarthen West Assembly Member, Angela Burns went to Cardiff University to hear about the latest research.
Unlike the more common type 2 diabetes, which can be linked to lifestyle factors like obesity and diet, type 1 diabetes is caused by the body’s own immune system killing the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin. There is currently no way to prevent or cure type 1. It requires treatment through multiple daily injections and finger prick blood tests, and reduces life expectancy by about 20 years. This disease is particularly prevalent within younger people and on the increase.
The research is run by Professor Andrew Sewell and Dr Gary Dolton from the Department of Infection, Immunity and Biochemistry and is funded by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation which currently invests over a quarter of a million pounds to fund research in Wales which is examining the role of T-cells in type 1 diabetes
Mrs Burns said, “I have acted on behalf of some constituents with this condition and have heard first hand how rigorous their management of their condition has to be. This can be particularly tough on kids and it is great to think that there is such progress being made scientifically.
Currently diabetes accounts for approximately 10% of Welsh NHS costs. Investing in research now will lead to long-term cost savings for the NHS in the future. I hope the Government commits to investing in type 1 diabetes research to ensure this progress continues. Hats off to JRDF who fund the research here in Wales and Hats off to Andy Sewell and his team who have become recognised world leaders in this field.”
Professor Sewell said “This research has increased our understanding of type 1 diabetes and could potentially help predict who has the condition before they show any symptoms. This will enable earlier treatment and better control of the remaining insulin-producing cells before they are destroyed by the body’s own immune system.”
Mrs Burns added “Wales should be proud of this world beating team and I will be doing all I can to ensure continuation of funding and political recognition.”
