News

Genome-wide association analyses highlight etiological differences underlying subtypes of diabetes

The results of the study were published in Nature Genetics in 2021.

Our study that was published in Lancet Diabetes Endocrinology 2018 suggested a completely new classification of diabetes, separating adult-onset diabetes cases into five different types. The refined classification provides a powerful tool to individualise treatment and identify individuals with increased risk of complications already at diagnosis.

Press release on the University of Helsinki webpage.

New biological lead for protection against type 2 diabetes

An international research team led by researchers from the University of Helsinki has identified a biological mechanism that protects against type 2 diabetes. The results published in Nature Genetics demonstrate that a rare mutation abolishing the function of a zinc transporter reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by enhancing insulin secretion. Interestingly, a common genetic variant in the same transporter shows similar – albeit weaker – effects. The results position this molecule inhibition as an appealing target for new drug development in type 2 diabetes.

The Diabetes Research Foundation has awarded a 2-year research grant to Botnia-study

The 2-year grant, that was awarded to Tiinamaija Tuomi is intended for the Vasa Diabetes Register (DIREVA) follow-up study aiming to find out how the new classification of diabetes, separating adult-onset diabetes cases into five different types (study published in spring 2018), will hold on during the progression of the illness. In this study, we examine individuals with diabetes from the Vasa Diabetes Register using questionnaires and laboratory measurements.

In 2019, The Diabetes Research Foundation received 110 grant applications and awarded in total 24 grants; Three 2-year grants for significant research projects, twelve 1-year grants and 9 personal grants. In 2019 the total amount of grants awarded is 550 000 Euros.

For more information, please visit the Diabetes Research Foundation webpage.

Fin­nMODY study is re­cruiting MODY and MIDD pa­tients in Finland.

FinnMODY study has multiple goals:

1. How prevalent are MODY and MIDD diabetes in Finland?
2. How do MODY and MIDD diabetes differ from more common forms of diabetes, especially in respect to diabetic complications?
3. Which other features characterize MODY?

Got interested? Please visit the FinnMody study project page for more information.

PPP Botnia Study - second follow-up

The ongoing second follow-up started in 2018.

For more information about PPP Botnia study, please visit the PPP Botnia project page.