Type 2 in Toulouse

[toulouse-tom]

Hi there, I live and work in Toulouse, France, alongside many other Anglophones in a very large aircraft manufacturer who shall remain nameless. I was diagnosed as Type 2 a year ago and have been cracking on with managing the condition with the French health service, who have been cracking frankly.

The diabetes.co.uk forum has been amazing too. My French language skills are only middling as my colleagues and I work in English all day. So this forum has been my Anglophone network of support, even if I have been receiving from it rather than giving in the main.

The specialist I am being treated by asked if I would participate in a medical research program on Apeline B, a hormone discovered in Toulouse 15 years ago (so I understand), which may have benefits for reducing Insulin demand in Type 2 sufferers. I have just completed my participation and the research medics asked if I could ask any other Type 2 sufferers I know to volunteer.

Since my diagnosis, I have discovered a number of friends had been diagnosed too, none of whom live in France. In fact, I don't know anyone down here who is Type 2. So I thought I'd post this on the forum. If you live down here and are Type 2 and want to participate, let me know and I'll send you the contact details.

 

[MandaC66]

Hi Toulouse-tom, I too am type 2 and also working for the same company, however I am based back over in Wales, so at the mercy of the NHS and unable to help participate. Good luck with the trial and your diabetes control, it will be interesting to see what the research shows.

 

[toulouse-tom]

Hi Manda C66 - the study involves Edinburgh Uni but they are looking at the other effect of the substance on the heart.
The tests here involved being hooked up to 2 intravenous fluid bags and having blood sugar pin pricks every 5 minutes from 8-15am to 13-15pm... on two separate days. I left those details out cos it is a bit off-putting.

The research scientist who discovered Apeline B popped in to say hello to me and took a photo. I was the first guineapig for the trials and so it was a bit like a first flight for us...15 years after his initial work.

This study is like a proof of concept as they have 14 people willing to trial. Should it succeed a far bigger study will be launched and looking at how to synthesise Apeline B on an industrial level will need study too

Give us a shout if you are ever down here for a visit!

 

[MandaC66]

Hi Manda C66 - the study involves Edinburgh Uni but they are looking at the other effect of the substance on the heart.
The tests here involved being hooked up to 2 intravenous fluid bags and having blood sugar pin pricks every 5 minutes from 8-15am to 13-15pm... on two separate days. I left those details out cos it is a bit off-putting.

The research scientist who discovered Apeline B popped in to say hello to me and took a photo. I was the first guineapig for the trials and so it was a bit like a first flight for us...15 years after his initial work.

This study is like a proof of concept as they have 14 people willing to trial. Should it succeed a far bigger study will be launched and looking at how to synthesise Apeline B on an industrial level will need study too

Give us a shout if you are ever down here for a visit!

Hi toulouse-tom, Thanks for the update. It must be pretty cool to know you are at the cutting edge of diabetes research!

I'm afraid I don't get out much these days, but if I'm ever in the area i'll let you know!

All the best and keep us posted on your progress!