Sky's the Limit for New Diabetes Research

Developing Effective Treatment Strategies

With more than five million people in the UK living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it remains one of the most common chronic diseases facing society today.

Now, a unique collaboration is helping to bolster research efforts and identify more effective treatment strategies for those living and working with diabetes, focusing on a high-pressure workplace: the Royal Air Force.

Researchers from the University's Diabetes, Metabolism and Inflammation (DMI) Research Group have partnered with personnel from the Diabetes Patient Sensor Support Group at nearby RAF Waddington, the first of its kind within the RAF, to understand the challenges they face in managing the condition, while supporting the operational readiness of a frontline RAF base.

With well-established track records of research in diabetes, both type 1 and type 2 as well as diabetes complications, the hope is that this partnership can see the work of the DMI Group deliver real-world benefit for those in the military.

Leading the Way

Spearheaded by the University's Professor Claire Hills and Professor Paul Squires – with close support from colleagues across healthcare in Lincolnshire, including Professor Kelvin Lee and Dr. Usman Shah from United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust and Dr Maxime Inghels from the Lincoln Institute for Rural and Coastal Health – the research team has been able to gain unparalleled insights into the demands that those with diabetes face in a military setting.

Having hosted RAF Waddington personnel at the University's state-of-the-art research facilities at the Joseph Banks Laboratories, the researchers were invited to visit the base to see first hand the daily challenges faced by RAF personnel, both with and without diabetes.

“Working in the RAF requires hard work, commitment, and drive," says Professor Paul Squires. "To achieve this with a backdrop of managing diabetes is astounding, and all personnel with the condition, supporting healthcare professionals, and the RAF in general, demand our respect and admiration."

The researchers were able to discuss the latest developments in diabetes research with the Patient Sensor Support Group, RAF medical professionals, and members of the prestigious Red Arrows Aerobatic Team, as well as hearing their experiences of living with and supporting those with diabetes. The team was also treated to a flyby from the Red Arrows, a tour of their hangar, and discovered how pilots debrief after each training session.

A Healthier Future

It’s hoped that, as the collaboration continues, researchers will be able to tailor future research projects to the specific needs of end-users in the military, transform the understanding of diabetes, and develop innovative treatment options that improve the lives of those affected by the condition.

Another key part of the collaborations will be to promote the excellent work of the Patient Support Group in a bid to create similar initiatives across the RAF and Ministry of Defence.

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