Diabetes research in the region is getting an extra boost thanks to the outgoing Mayor of Kenilworth.

Councillor Michael Coker has chosen to make a donation of £2,500 to the University of Warwick’s Diabetes research groups from the Mayor’s charitable fundraising. The funds have been raised over the last year through numerous fundraising events and campaigns locally. Cllr Coker said:

It is a pleasure to hand over the money to such a worthy cause. The diabetes research conducted by the University of Warwick is an example of some of the good work conducted at the University’s Warwick Medical School.

The donation was officially made at the Mayor’s reception at Warwick Castle on Tuesday 13 September. The cheque was received by Professor Sudhesh Kumar, Dean of Warwick Medical School who is also a himself a diabetes researcher, and said:

We are delighted to receive recognition from the Mayor. The Midlands has the highest rates of type 2 diabetes in Europe and this generous donation will help us continue our work.

“Warwick Medical School undertakes research into Diabetes and a number of trials into the disease take place through hospitals in our region, and so this funding will really make a difference to our local community.”

“We have numerous on-going research projects and this donation will be a great benefit to our researchers who are working hard to translate new developments into meaningful improvements in diabetes care for patients. The Medical School will add some further funds to this donation and use the funds to buy a new equipment that will be used by many researchers enabling them to do their work more efficiently with new technology.

Diabetes is estimated to affect more than 285 million people globally, with the prevalence expected to increase to 438 million people by 2030. Warwick Medical School’s research has provided key insight into diabetes particularly with an emphasis on ethnicity-related health issues, informing national practice and having a positive on the treatment of such as diabetes, and the subsequent complications.

Tackling diabetes early is important to prevent its many complications. One of these complications is the increased risk of retinopathy (damage to the retina which can lead to blindness). Retinal screening research conducted at the University directly influenced the decision to develop and fund a UK-wide National Screening Programme which has saved the sight of many diabetic patients. The NHS is now the global leader in this form of screening.

In addition Warwick Medical School has collaborated with national bodies and UK government to produce national programmes for tackling obesity which is linked to diabetes.

Councillor Coker added:

Diabetes affects the lives of so many individuals and their families. I hope my example will encourage others to give to such a good cause.