Podcast: Conversations about Diabetes Research - Series 1

Episode 1 - What is medical research?

In the first episode, Dr Neil Hill and Reuben Lewis go back to basics - answering the question, 'what is medical research?'

Find out how trials are designed - how funding works, how volunteers are protected and what it's like to take part.

Reuben shares his own personal experience of volunteering. And Dr Hill talks about the research he has worked on, including monitoring the glucose levels of people walking in the Himalayas.

Also discover where diabetes research is currently at, what the future holds and how to get involved.

Listen here: Episode 1 - What is medical research?

Episode 2 - Diabetes and obesity, best of friends

Discover the links between obesity and diabetes, and how research is helping to inform treatments and lifestyle choices for people living with diabetes.

Also, find out what the future of diabetes research looks like and how to get involved.

Joining Dr Neil Hill and Reuben Lewis in this episode is Dr Saira Hameed - a Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, and Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer at Imperial College London.

Listen here: Episode 2 - Diabetes and obesity, best of friends

Episode 3 - Diabetes, Digital and Devices - How technology is advancing care in diabetes

Digital technology is making it easier for people living with diabetes to self-manage their condition. This episode explores the cutting-edge research that has led to the advancement of these technologies, and what the future holds.

Joining Dr Neil Hill and Reuben Lewis is Professor Nick Oliver - a Diabetes Consultant at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, and Professor of Human Metabolism at Imperial College London. He is also a Clinical Divisional Lead at the NIHR Clinical Research Network North West London.

Professor Oliver discusses the research he is working on, the challenges of developing technology, and what’s on the horizon for people living with diabetes.

Listen here: Episode 3 - Diabetes, Digital and Devices - How technology is advancing care in diabetes

Episode 4 - Living with diabetes - my journey

Denis Collen joins Dr Neil Hill and Reuben Lewis in this episode, sharing his experience of living with diabetes since his diagnosis in 2010.

Denis is heavily involved in patient advocacy work. Among the many initiatives, he has worked on is a campaign to ensure all parks in Harrow, London, have an outdoor gym.

He is also a strong advocate for research, talking about his role as a volunteer and why he thinks others would benefit from taking part too.

Listen here: Episode 4 - Living with diabetes - my journey

Episode 5 - Breaking a sweat to beat diabetes

Joining Dr Neil Hill and Reuben Lewis in this episode is Siân Rilstone - a research dietitian at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

Siân discusses the research projects she is working on, exploring how people living with diabetes can exercise safely.

Siân also shares her thoughts on the importance of focusing on both diet and exercise to manage diabetes effectively, and the most impactful types of exercise.

Listen here: Episode 5 - Breaking a sweat to beat diabetes