Research grant for diabetes

A Peninsula resident has received a $US5000 international grant for research into the prevention of diabetes.

Ms Suzanne Grant received the grant from international health care group Cochrane Collaboration in December last year.

She is currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Western Sydney and is principal investigator for a clinical trial researching the potential for Chinese herbal medicines to delay or prevent diabetes in prediabetes patients.

"When it comes to preventing diabetes in today's world, the best advice has been to eat well and exercise but for many of us changing our lifestyle for the better can be difficult to achieve and maintain," Ms Grant said.

"Chinese herbal treatment, if proven to be effective, will mean that prediabetes can be treated by a daily dose of herbal tablets."

Ms Grant will use the grant money to travel to Beijing in April to finalise her review of all Chinese herbal medicines.

"As a result of my research, I hope to find a treatment for prediabetes sufferers in order to prevent or delay the development of diabetes," Ms Grant said.

"We are looking into the Chinese herbal medicine called Jiangtang Xiaozhi at the moment."

According to Ms Grant, Jiangtang Xiaozhi is a complex Chinese herbal formula that has the potential to stop the rise of blood sugar to levels that cause diabetes and serious complications based on clinical and animal-testing evidence from China.

Ms Grant will undertake her own clinical trial at the University of Western Sydney following her trip to Beijing.

"Currently one in five people in Australia have prediabetes and do not know it," Ms Grant said.

"It can take up to 10 years for diabetes to fully develop in a person and a shorter time if they do not maintain a healthy lifestyle.

"Genetics play a major role as well."

Ms Grant moved to the Peninsula from Coffs Harbour more than eight years ago to start a family with her husband.

"The Peninsula is such a beautiful place to live and raise a family," Ms Grant said.

"I love it because I can maintain a healthy lifestyle in such a relaxing environment.

"Sure I have a pretty hectic lifestyle working part-time as a Chinese herbalist and acupuncturist, completing a PhD and being a wife and mother.

"But I find eating well and exercising regularly keeps me fit and healthy enough to be all that I can be."

Ms Grant is looking for suitable people to join her clinical trial into preventing diabetes.

"We are looking for prediabetes patients who are willing to take part in this exciting new trial," Ms Grant said.

"Through the public participation, we will be getting one step closer to preventing a major health crisis in the future."

For further information, contact Suzanne Grant on 4322 8937.

Clare Graham, 22 Feb 2008 Interview: Suzanne Grant