DNA of diabetic Scots to form research database

Wed, 29 Sep 2010
The Scottish government and charity Diabetes UK are launching a new research database that will hold the DNA of Scots suffering from the metabolic condition. The scheme, which will cost over GBP500,000, will focus on the storage of the DNA of people with type 1 diabetes, and will be used to assess the impact of the disease in the country and to find ways to focus support for patients.

With up to 22,000 people in Scotland having type 1 diabetes, believed to be one of the worst rates in the world, the information will form part of an investigation into the development of the disease in patients, which is hoped will also offer insight into when diabetics start to suffer from heart problems, and be used to assess levels of medication and treatment needed.

Professor Helen Colhoun, who will co-ordinate the study, said "This ambitious project will help us to identify and monitor new biomarkers – biological characteristics – which will be used to follow the progress and response to the treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes and to further our understanding of the causes of the condition."

Nicola Sturgeon, Scottish Health Secretary, added "We are delighted to be able to provide funding for this project, which will be an invaluable research resource with the ultimate aim of improving the treatment of patients with diabetes ."

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