Diabetes expert receives European prize for lifetime contribution to research
A leading Exeter diabetes researcher has been internationally recognised for his work improving care for people living with diabetes.
Andrew Hattersley CBE was awarded the 57th European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Claude Bernard Prize for his groundbreaking and transformative work in diabetes.
The Claude Bernard Prize is the highest award given by the EASD and celebrates an individual’s innovative leadership and lifetime achievement in diabetes research. As a result of this award Andrew will give the opening lecture to over 10,000 participants at the 61st EASD Annual Meeting in Vienna in September.
Andrew is Professor of Molecular Medicine at the University of Exeter and a diabetes consultant at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. His research combines state-of-the-art molecular genetics with physiological and clinical investigations in patients. A major emphasis has been to bring scientific advances into clinical care and there has been very close working with the Exeter NHS diagnostic laboratory who provide diagnostic testing for genetic diabetes in the UK. His team’s laboratory provides genetic testing for causes of diabetes for over 100 countries around the world, and the Exeter team has identified 27 new genetic causes of diabetes.
Andrew, who joined the University of Exeter in 1995, said: “It’s a massive honour to be awarded the Claude Bernard award for the diabetes research work performed in Exeter for the past three decades. Our achievements have all been the result of superb collaborative teamwork and this award recognises the achievements of the entire diabetes research team at the University of Exeter.”
Diabetes research in Exeter has now expanded beyond genetic forms of diabetes to examine the diagnosis and best treatment of the most common subtypes Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Most recently, he and colleagues have developed a tool to match up people living with type 2 diabetes with the best treatment to lower their blood glucose, which improves patients’ long term outcomes.
To make sure research advances result in improving patient care, the Exeter team are committed to educating both health professionals and people who are affected by diabetes. Working with longtime colleague Professor Maggie Shepherd, Andrew co-hosts the One in Six Billion podcast, which explores genetic forms of diabetes and recently marked 10,000 downloads.
Andrew said: “My colleagues in Exeter have been a pleasure to work alongside – showing intelligence, innovative thinking, commitment to helping patients and kindness and support for each other. With the wide range of talents in the team we have been able to make so many discoveries that have helped care of people living with diabetes.”
Professor Sallie Lamb, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean for the University of Exeter’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences said: “It’s thrilling to see Andrew recognised with this prestigious award. His contribution to our community and the field of diabetes over the last three decades has been hugely significant. This award is also a testament to the quality of researchers and world-class diabetes research here at Exeter.”
