Seeking a treatment for diabetic retinopathy: working in partnership with Diabetes UK

Part of that treatment involves a better understanding of the condition. Professor Karl Matter at University College London is investigating a particular molecule (known as ‘MarvelD3’), and its role in the development of diabetic retinopathy. His team will then be developing a potential treatment that targets MarvelD3, based on their findings.

Currently, we don’t fully know what causes diabetic retinopathy. What we do know is that people with type 1 and 2 diabetes have a higher risk of blood vessel damage in the body, due to consistently high blood sugar levels. This includes the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that helps people to see.

Professor Matter is studying what role MarvelD3 plays in protecting blood vessels when blood sugar levels are consistently high. MarvelD3 is found in a sticky substance that 'glues' together the cells that line our blood vessels. Professor Matter thinks it could be key to keeping these cells strong and healthy. His team will then be able to use this knowledge to develop a new treatment that aims to protect the cells found in blood vessels by targeting this molecule.

The grant for this project was awarded by Diabetes UK in partnership with Fight for Sight, Macular Society and Moorfields Eye Charity. With diabetic eye conditions on the rise, Fight for Sight is pleased to partner with charities like Diabetes UK to work towards our common goal of preventing and treating diabetic retinopathy.

Dr Faye Riley, Senior Research Communications Manager at Diabetes UK, said:

"Each year, more than 1,700 people living with diabetes in the UK face serious vision problems. Yet treatment options remain limited, and much is still unknown about how diabetes-related eye damage develops and progresses. That’s why we’re proud to join forces with Fight for Sight to fund this vital research. By deepening our understanding of natural biological ‘protectors’ in the eye, Prof. Matter’s work could pave the way for urgently needed treatments that safeguard the sight of people with diabetes."