Researcher studying biological factors of blood glucose variability wins 2013 IDF Europe Prize in Diabetes for Young Researcher

BRUSSELS, November 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Doctor Krisztina Lukacs of the Semmelweis University, Budapest (Hungary) was presented with the 2013 IDF Europe Prize in Diabetes for Young Researcher today at an award ceremony at the European Parliament in Brussels. The prize was awarded in recognition of her outstanding scientific work in the field of genetics and diabetes.

An internist and diabetologist, Krisztina Lukacs always had a strong interest in the role played by genetic factors in the development of diabetes. "While treating people with diabetes, I have witnessed a dramatic increase in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes in Hungary, as it is also the case in most European countries. One way to understand the mechanisms that cause diabetes is to study the genetic background of the disease. This is why I always saw a great opportunity in using the latest technologies in genetic testing to help understand what causes diabetes", she says. Since 2006, Doctor Lukacs has taken part in several patient-oriented clinical and basic research programmes focusing on the epidemiology, genetics and other mechanisms causing type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Doctor Lukacs has currently embarked on a large population-based clinical study to determine the biological and environmental factors of severe hypoglycemia in people with type 1 diabetes. "The important variations in blood glucose levels that are partly caused by hypoglycemia can increase the risk of developing health complications, leading to a poor quality of life. These variations can also be considered the greatest barrier to achieve and maintain good metabolic control," she explains. "At the moment we have only limited knowledge about the possible role of genetic and environmental factors in glucose variability. In everyday clinical practice, we know that it is difficult for people with type 1 diabetes to control blood glucose levels under certain weather conditions, but the direct effects on glucose variability are not completely understood," she adds. The clinical study, led out of the Semmelweis University, will therefore try to identify new biomarkers and environmental factors that have an impact on glucose levels and the risk of hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes.

As part of World Diabetes Day celebrations in the European Parliament in Brussels, Doctor Lukacs received today the IDF Europe Prize in Diabetes for Young Researcher. "We are pleased to hand over the prize to Doctor Krisztina Lukacs, said Professor Sehnaz Karadeniz, President Elect of IDF Europe and Chair of the prize's Nominating Committee. "Her scientific work aiming to better understand, predict and prevent hypoglycemia is undoubtedly a major contribution in improving the lives of people living with diabetes."

Doctor Lukacs was present in Brussels to receive the award personally. "It is an honour for me to receive this prize. Through our research, we strive to improve diabetes prediction, screening and treatment. Our ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life and the health outcomes for people living with diabetes," she said.

As the winner of the IDF Europe Prize in Diabetes for Young Research, Doctor Krisztina Lukacs will receive a cheque of 10,000 euros that she will donate to a charity of her choice.

An initiative led by the European Region of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF Europe), the Prize in Diabetes for Young Researcher is supported from Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

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About the IDF Europe Prize in Diabetes

Launched in 2012, the IDF Europe Prize in Diabetes rewards excellence, innovation and commitment in Diabetes.

This award also aims at increasing awareness of diabetes and recognizing outstanding individuals who have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of people with diabetes through their work and through research.

This year, IDF Europe is awarding two prizes: one in the category Long-Standing Achievement and one in the category Young Researcher.

AbouttheInternationalDiabetesFederationEuropeanRegion -IDFEurope

IDF Europe is the European Region of the International Diabetes Federation. We are an umbrella organisation uniting 66 diabetes associations in 47 countries. We represent people with diabetes and their families, as well as health professionals working in diabetes.

Through our work, we aim to influence policy, increase public awareness and encourage health improvement, promote the exchange of best practice and high-quality information about diabetes in all countries throughout the Region.

For more information, visit http://www.idf-europe.org.