An international group of researchers and experts have identified the potential for precision diabetes medicine in clinical practice
A new international consensus report on precision medicine in diabetes prevention and care highlights opportunities for the adoption of precision diabetes medicine in clinical practice. The report also identifies the benefits for screening, diagnosis and treatment while addressing current research gaps and the need for improved methods.
The report, led by Professor Paul Franks, Professor of genetic epidemiology at Lund University, is a collaboration between 28 universities and culminates two years of work which brought together experts in diabetes research and practice across international timelines.
Dr Sian Chivers and Dr Sara White from the Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, were members of the International Consortium for Precision Medicine in Diabetes Initiative, Gestational Diabetes Working Group. Dr Chivers concentrated on gestational diabetes precision prevention and Dr White on gestational diabetes precision diagnosis.
Each subgroup dedicated time to undertake systematic reviews within their area of expertise, while the wider group encompassed prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis across monogenic diabetes, gestational diabetes, T1 diabetes, and T2 diabetes.
It was a labour of love to bring this huge piece of work together. It was also a privilege to work with many like-minded individuals who share a common goal to improve the lives of those living with, or at risk of developing, diabetes. It has identified key gaps in knowledge to focus future research.
Dr Sian Chivers and Dr Sara White
Diabetes is a global health concern, with an estimated 415 million people living with diabetes worldwide. The disease is categorised into several types, with the two most prevalent being type 1 and type 2 diabetes, along with gestational diabetes, monogenic diabetes, and other rare forms of the disease.
The predictions from the report and the suggested adoption of precision medicine in diabetes prevention and care offers hopeful prospects for reducing complications and take meaningful steps towards improving the lives of people living with diabetes. The report also draws attention to the need for further research, identifying the need for improved research methods and research gaps.
Supported by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) and the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the consensus report was made possible through a huge collaborative effort involving 200 academic experts from 28 countries under the banner of the Precision Medicine in Diabetes Initiative (PMDI).
Read the full consensus report: Second international consensus report on gaps and opportunities for the clinical translation of precision diabetes medicine
