23 December 2004

Diabetes documentary

A documentary profiling the University of Dundee's work on diabetes will be screened this evening on Grampian television at 7.30pm.

'The Modern Plague' is fronted and narrated by Hollywood actor Brian Cox who met with leading diabetes researchers and clinicians from across the University to investigate their approach to diabetes research, treatment and management of the condition.

Brian interviewed Professors Sir Philip Cohen, Dario Alessi and Andrew Morris in the search for answers to his questions on diabetes type 2, the disease which is taking its toll upon him and 11,500 people in Tayside.

As well as showing viewers his carefully weighed and restricted diet, Brian takes part in Scotland's only exercise class for people with diabetes type 2 designed by Dr Alison Kirk, an expert in managing diabetes with exercise from the Institute for Sport and Exercise.

Brian is currently leading the fundraising campaign for the University’s Centre for Interdisciplinary Research (CIR).

Notes to Editors

The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research will provide resources for researchers from around the world to focus their talents on improving drugs to prevent and treat diabetes and tropical diseases, such as malaria and sleeping sickness.

By Angela Durcan, Press Officer 01382 344910, out of hours: 07968298585, a.durcan@dundee.ac.uk