Imagine a world where diabetes no longer holds people back from living their fullest lives. That's the bold vision driving our work, and in 2025, we took a giant leap forward by investing nearly £3 million into groundbreaking diabetes research. But here's where it gets exciting: this isn't just about numbers; it's about transforming lives. Thanks to your incredible support, we're funding 112 cutting-edge research projects, including 16 brand-new initiatives launched in 2025. These projects span treatments, management strategies, and more, targeting all types of diabetes and its complications.
Every year, your generosity fuels our commitment to exceptional science and innovative ideas. For instance, we're addressing critical research gaps to ensure that communities most affected by diabetes receive the care they need. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about finding cures; it's about improving daily life for those living with diabetes.
One of our flagship efforts, the Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge, is a testament to this mission. With 23 pioneering projects involving 189 researchers across 49 institutions in eight countries, this community is growing stronger. In 2025 alone, Grand Challenge researchers published 28 groundbreaking studies in scientific journals. We also funded four new teams dedicated to developing a reliable supply of insulin-producing beta cells from stem cells, a potential game-changer for type 1 diabetes treatment.
But here's a controversial thought: What if we could not only manage diabetes but cure it? That's the question driving our investment in beta cell therapies, and we're closer than ever to making it a reality.
Let’s dive into some of the projects you helped fund in 2025. First, we’re exploring the often-overlooked connection between diabetes and emotional wellbeing. Diabetes doesn’t just affect physical health; it can take a toll on mental health too. For example, type 2 diabetes and depression are closely linked, yet we still don’t fully understand how to treat both conditions effectively together. That’s why we’re supporting Dr. Min Gao at the University of Oxford, who is analyzing how different diabetes medications impact depression. By listening to the lived experiences of people with type 2 diabetes and depression, Dr. Gao aims to develop personalized treatment guidelines. This research could revolutionize how doctors approach these interconnected conditions, improving quality of life for millions.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Shouldn’t healthcare be tailored to the unique needs of every individual, especially when cultural and social factors play such a significant role? This brings us to our next focus: tackling inequity in women’s health. Women from South Asian backgrounds face a higher risk of gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes, yet research often lumps these communities together without considering cultural nuances. To address this, we’re funding a project led by Ifra Ali at the University of Warwick. Ifra is working directly with British-Pakistani women who’ve experienced gestational diabetes to understand their care needs during and after pregnancy. By co-creating tailored healthcare solutions with these women and healthcare professionals, we aim to reduce their long-term risk of type 2 diabetes.
Together, we’re not just funding research; we’re unlocking new possibilities and bringing hope for better treatments—and even a cure. But we want to hear from you: What do you think is the most critical aspect of diabetes research today? Is it finding a cure, improving daily management, or addressing inequities in care? Let us know in the comments.
None of this would be possible without your support. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we’re making a difference—one research project, one life, at a time.
