Thread by @DUK_research

Day 2 is off with a bang! @MaggieShepher13 has been awarded the Arnold Bloom lecture for her outstanding contributions to monogenic #diabetes care. She starts by thanking @DiabetesUK for supporting her right at the start of her career. #dukpc

Monogenic diabetes are rare forms caused by a change in a single gene. Maggie realised these genetic types of #diabetes weren’t being diagnosed properly and made it her mission to change that. #dukpc

Maggie describes the absolutely life-changing impact getting the right diagnosis can have. Many of her patients were able to come off insulin and be treated with tablets instead. #dukpc

Maggie found that people who’d had MODY for a shorter time more likely to come of insulin altogether, highlighting just how vital it is to get the right diagnosis from the start. #dukpc

Maggie also researches neonatal #diabetes, a rare type found in young babies. Not as dry eye in the house as we’re shown a video of Emma, mum of Jack, who described just how much their lives were transformed when they get finally got the right diagnosis. #dukpc

Maggie has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of monogenic #diabetes.

It accounts for 3.6% of all diabetes in people under the age of 30. But 80% are first misdiagnosed with Type 1 or 2. #dukpc

She has trained genetic specialist diabetic nurses across the country to look out for potential cases of misdiagnosis. And support patients through their journey to the right diagnosis. #dukpc

Powerful proof here of the impact this project has had since being introduced in 2002. Diagnoses of monogenic #diabetes are on the up. #dukpc

The Exeter team are now working on helping pregnant women with genetic types of #diabetes. Babies can inherit genes which increase their birth weight. They’re developing a way to test the DNA of babies in the womb to better spot who’s at risk. #dukpc