Brief plain language background
Diabetes is a major public health problem, with 415 million people affected world-wide and estimated to rise by 35% within the next 25 years.
Diabetic eye disease is one of the most common complications of diabetes that can lead to vision loss, and for which no prevention or cure is available.
What problem/knowledge gap does it help address
Diabetic eye disease occurs when the cornea (the clear window at the front of the eye) and/or the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) become damaged.
High-blood sugar is the main trigger, but other factors also contribute to disease progression. One factor is damage to mitochondria – the powerhouses of cells – that in the eye help enable vision.
There is a lack of biomarkers to identify those with mitochondrial damage, as well as no available therapies that protect mitochondria in diabetic eye disease.
Aim of the research project
To test the effectiveness of repurposed medication for the treatment of mitochondria in diabetic eye disease.
Key procedures/Objectives (in laymen terms)
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the medications at treating mitochondria in diabetic conditions in human eye cells and mice.
- Use a new technology in diabetic clinics to investigate the level of mitochondrial damage in the eye at different stages of the disease.
- Collect blood samples to identify biomarkers of mitochondrial damage.
Potential impact on people with sight loss
Utilising a new clinical tool to identify those at higher risk of vision loss would allow for more personalised care, in line with current healthcare guidelines. Even with optimal risk-factor control, a high proportion of people with diabetes go on to develop diabetic eye disease. Improving mitochondrial function with existing medication could provide a solution to prevent vision loss in those with diabetes.