Fundraising For New Centre For Diabetes Research

Media release for immediate use – Sunday August 2, 2009

FUNDRAISING FOR NEW CENTRE FOR INTERNATIONAL DIABETES RESEARCH

A Christchurch based trust is working fast to raise more than $4million in the next twelve weeks to secure its purchase of a building for international diabetes research.

Establishment of The Diabetes Research Institute is attracting interest from within the Diabetes world, with international doctors and researchers keen to support the Institute’s vision for treatment, prevention and cure of diabetes.

Diabetes Research Institute Trust spokesman Professor Russell Scott says the building, near Christchurch Hospital, will become a medical research, teaching and clinical centre of excellence within NZ.

“New Zealand has been a leader of diabetes research and clinical care for more than 40 years,” he says. “But research programmes have often been severely hampered by lack of appropriate facilities and funding, which is why the Trust has begun the process of purchasing this building and supporting diabetes research initiatives.”

The Diabetes Research Institute Trust is seeking funding support from various agencies and foundations to buy the building, because it recognised that an expanded investment into diabetes research is now a high priority for NZ.

“Diabetes is exploding in the world and affecting more New Zealanders than ever before, with no evidence of a slowdown,” says Professor Scott. “The prevalence of diabetes is higher in the Western Pacific region – South East Asia, Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand – than anywhere else in the world. The Research Institute is currently exploring a specific diabetes alliance with China.

“The rise in obesity and diabetes has been more rapid than anyone predicted, yet treatments have barely changed in the past 40 years and a cure seems a long way off.

“What we need right now is funding support to complete the purchase of the building, fit it out and get this critically important research work underway.”

ENDS

BACKGROUND FACTS

* 1 in 3 Polynesian New Zealanders has diabetes or prediabetes

* 1 in 5 Maori has diabetes of prediabetes

* 1 in 9 European New Zealanders has diabetes or prediabetes

* Indications are the number of New Zealanders affected by diabetes will double in the next 20 years

* The World Health Organisation lists diabetes as one of the most important non-communicable disorders in the world

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