12 November 2012

World Diabetes Day - patients invited to 'Discover Diabetes Research'

Event - 7pm to 9.20pm, Wednesday 14th November, Discovery Point, Dundee

Diabetes patients living in Tayside and Fife are being invited to find out more about the world renowned research being carried out across the region as part of events to mark World Diabetes Day on Wednesday November 14th.

Some of the leading researchers from the University of Dundee and NHS Tayside will be speaking at 'Discover Diabetes Research', an evening for patients at Discovery Point in Dundee.

The event will also feature a contribution from Perth woman Helen Livingston (57), who has been living with diabetes for the past three years. She will relay her experiences of taking part in diabetes research.

'I would recommend anyone who has diabetes to take part in the research being carried out here,' said Helen. 'On the one hand you know you are helping the people who are trying to find new ways to treat diabetes, which could have a great effect for anyone with the disease.

'The big thing I also found is that it is a great way of finding out more about diabetes. When I was diagnosed it was a bit of a shock and I wanted to find out a lot more about what it meant for m. By taking part in the research, you are spending time with people who are dedicated to working with diabetes and they are able to tell you so much about it.

'And it is not a great hardship to take part. In fact everyone involved made it very easy for me.'

The event, which is organised by the Scottish Diabetes Research Network, will explain some of the research taking place in Tayside and Fife and give patients information on how they can get involved.

'We have some of the world’s leading work on diabetes being carried out here but it is absolutely reliant on the help of the public, who have been magnificent in supporting everything we do,' said Shona Brearley, Scottish Diabetes Research Network manager.

'Anyone who wants to find out more about what we do and how they can get involved in invited to join us on Wednesday.'

Places are free but there is a limit on numbers. Anyone who wants to attend should call 01382 660111 (ext. 34594) to secure a place.

For more information on the Scottish Diabetes Research Network see: www.sdrn.org.uk.

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07800 581902