Pharmaceutical companies across the globe are stepping up the number of clinical studies as diagnosed cases of diabetes reach pandemic levels.
London-based clinical research specialist MeDiNova alone currently has two studies underway in a bid to further improve treatments for this debilitating illness which has tightened its grip on the UK population.
Research remains one of the most vital tools in the fight against the disease — a treatable killer condition which is arguably one of the fastest growing illnesses within the UK.
The statistics for diabetes are frightening. Latest figures from Diabetes UK reveal 387 million people worldwide are living with the disease, including 3.2 million in the UK. An estimated one in 10 have the type 2 strain and almost half of all type 2 sufferers across the world are unaware of their condition.
Until recently, the type 2 strain only affected adults — most commonly, 40–59-year-olds. The first cases in children did not emerge until the year 2000.
But research by the World Health Organisation shows it is now growing increasingly common in children, with obesity, lack of physical activity and general unhealthy lifestyles among the contributing factors.
In addition to diabetes itself, sufferers are at risk of developing further complications, including blindness, amputation and stroke.
Since insulin was discovered in 1921, continued research and the development of new treatments have helped save millions of lives. This research is as imperative today. During the next two decades the number of people with diabetes is expected to rise to 592 million. Research is one of the most powerful weapons in the quest to stem the pandemic and change the future of diabetes.
As one of the top five dedicated research centres in the UK, MeDiNova’s role in the fight against diabetes is pivotal. With regular trials for diabetes the company is now seeking volunteers for two new studies.
The trials are open at MeDiNova’s two centres — the North London Clinical Studies Centre in Northwood and the South London Clinical Studies Centre in Sidcup.
Kumar Muthlagappan, Chief Executive of MeDiNova, said: “Diabetes is one of the largest and most fearsome threats to humanity. It is true that the type 2 strain is largely preventable. Even so, there are millions of people across the world with it, including in the UK.
“The development of new treatments is crucial if we are ever going to win the war against diabetes. Each and every one of our volunteers plays a vital role in this battle — not for themselves and others around them today who may also be affected, but for their children, and their children’s children, who will continue to be blighted by this killer without ongoing research.”
