Our Research

To date, we have conducted a wide range of research on the genetic determinants of diabetes and its complications, and biomarkers of complications. We have also conducted research into . Click on each of the links below to see our list of published/presented research, our research collaborations and examples of previous research.

Current projects

To date biosamples have been used for DNA extraction and genome-wide genotyping. Serum samples have been used for the measurement of several biomarkers of interest including C-peptide, serum creatinine and auto-antibodies (GAD, ZnT8, IA2). We have also carried out N-glycome analysis on blood samples, which looks at the association between changes in the structure of important signalling complex molecules and the development of diabetic kidney disease. We have measured a range of biomarkers and shown that these help predict kidney disease. We have also studied why some people with Type 1 diabetes retain the ability to produce a small amount of insulin from their pancreas, which we have shown protects against hypoglycemia and eye disease. We are currently conducting further sub-analyses to identify monogenic diabetes. Further research in collaboration with other institutions/laboratories is ongoing relating to the use/effectiveness of common biomarkers in cardiovascular disease risk prediction.

The current research projects in 2025 are:

  • Misclassification of diabetes type among those with a clinical label of Type 1 diabetes: a study in the Scottish Diabetes Research Network Type 1 Bioresource (Chief Scientist Office/Diabetes UK)
  • Association of C-peptide and Change in C-peptide with Acute and Chronic Complications in Type 1 Diabetes
  • Validation of a new approach for cardiovascular disease risk stratification and therapeutic targeting in T1D (Breakthrough T1D (was JDRF))
  • Biomarker trajectories as predictors of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in people with Type 1 diabetes 

 

 

 

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