23
October
2008
|
01:00
Europe/London

Experts to host diabetes day for the public

Leading experts in diabetes research are holding an Open Day for people affected by type 1 diabetes to learn more about the condition and discover what is being done to find a cure.

The University of Manchester event, funded by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), will be hosted by Professor Neil Hanley, who, with wife Dr Karen Piper-Hanley, are recent recruits to the University’s growing team of scientists in diabetes and stem-cell research.

The pair will present an overview of their work on pancreas development and beta cell regeneration; these are the cells responsible for producing the hormone insulin, which regulates blood-glucose levels. Diabetes results when there is not enough insulin to meet the body’s demands.

Professor Hanley and Dr Piper-Hanley will be joined at the open day by another leading Manchester expert in the field, Dr Karen Cosgrove, who will be discussing her recent successes in converting stem cells into functional beta cells.

Professor Mark Dunne, whose research at the University also focuses on the use of stem cells to treat the condition, said: “The aim of the diabetes Open Day is to allow people with an interest in type 1 diabetes to come along and to understand more about the disease from experts in the field.

“At this meeting there will be a strong focus on stem-cell biology and transplantation, which is particularly relevant, since Manchester was given the go-ahead earlier this year to perform islet transplants for people with diabetes.”

Dr Rob Davies, from Central Manchester & Manchester Children's University Hospitals NHS Trust, will also be presenting at the meeting on Insulin Pump Therapy. 

The Open Day takes place this Saturday (October 25) from 10am to 3pm at the University’s Michael Smith Building.

Admission is by prior registration only. Visit www.jdrf.org.uk/openmeetings or call 020 7713 2030.

Ends

Notes for editors

Media enquiries to:

Aeron Haworth

Media Officer

Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences

The University of Manchester

Tel: 0161 275 8383

Mob: 07717 881 563

Email: aeron.haworth@manchester.ac.uk