About the Diabetes and Vascular Medicine laboratory
The Diabetes and Vascular Medicine lab is interested in the prediction and prevention of the complications of type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and in the use of technology in healthcare.
The multidisciplinary team relocated to the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute in 2023, after 10 years at the University of Sydney and 12 years at the University of Melbourne. With and for people living with or at risk of diabetes or cardiovascular disease, the team undertakes clinical (people-based) research and laboratory-based studies. They have an extensive, valued national and international network of collaborators.
The team has a biomarker laboratory with a wide range of clinical, biochemical and molecular tools that can be applied to their own research studies and are available for other researchers to use and learn.
Clinical trials include the FAME-1 Eye trial which is testing a once daily tablet of fenofibrate in adults with type 1 diabetes and early to moderate diabetic eye damage (retinopathy) to see if it can protect the eyes. There are a series of insulin pump and glucose sensor trials. Collaborative cohort studies include major international type 1 diabetes groups the DCCT/EDIC and FinnDiane. Biomarkers which may predict health outcomes or response to treatment are being conducted in these trials and cohorts and other completed trials such as the FIELD trial (of fenofibrate in Type 2 diabetes) and the REMOVAL trial (of adjunct metformin in adults with type 1 diabetes).
Building and learning from the next generation of biomedical researchers is key so the team includes clinical and science trainees from undergraduate to postgraduate level.
Lab members also serve the profession and community via membership of grant review panels and advisory boards, conference conduct, editorial roles and guideline developing groups. They are available as speakers for community groups and are actively engaged with humanitarian aid organisations.