Research Fellowship to advance insights into diabetes

A grant, supporting type II diabetes research, has been awarded to Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) clinician researcher Dr Danielle Longmore.

Dr Longmore, a consultant paediatric endocrinologist, has received a 2024 Diabetes Australia Research Establishment Fellowship by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) Foundation.

This award is given to researchers that aim to promote clinical and basic research into the causes, prevention and treatment of diabetes.

Dr Longmore’s $50,000 grant will enable her to speak directly with young patients with type II diabetes and establish which areas they believe require more research focus.

Image: Dr Danielle Longmore

The project, known as WellMet, is the first of its kind in Australia and will have a broad, holistic focus tackling issues like stigma when seeking out medical care and the increasing number of early-onset cases in Australia.

“When young people develop type II diabetes, it has a big impact on their health, how they live their lives and how long they live,” Dr Longmore said.

“Type II diabetes is more aggressive in young people and they develop complications faster than adults, making them at higher risk of heart and other health problems.”

Dr Longmore hoped that by working closely with young patients in a research setting, she could ultimately work to reduce adverse cardiometabolic outcomes in patients and prevent the onset of type II diabetes.

“The young people involved in this project will help us to set crucial goals and break down barriers,” she said. Their insights will improve our understanding of the condition and pave the way for accessible and stigma-free medical care.”