Diabetes pioneer gets top honour

A PROFESSOR from Leicester who helped establish an international centre of excellence in diabetes research has been recognised for his work by a global authority on the condition.

Professor Kamlesh Khunti, co-director of the Leicester Diabetes Centre (LDC), was presented with the Outstanding Achievement Award at the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Congress 2017, having been recognised for discovering major advances in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.

The four-day event took place in Abu Dhabi and brought together world-renowned experts, healthcare professionals and speakers from within the field of diabetes.

IDF’s President Shaukat Sadikot presented Professor Khunti with the accolade, which is intended to recognise the efforts and achievements of individuals within the diabetes community and who have helped promote IDF’s mission and values.

Professor Khunti, who is also Professor of Primary Care Diabetes and Vascular Medicine at the University of Leicester, said: “This award was a complete surprise and for a moment I was genuinely speechless. I am truly honoured to have been recognised by such a highly esteemed organisation.

“The work my team does revolves around finding the best available options for rapid, accurate prevention and treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Winning awards or having our work recognised has never even crossed my mind, but I must admit it is hugely rewarding.

“However, accepting this award is only possible because of the fantastic team I have behind me. Without their knowledge, support and patience, winning this prize would not have been possible.”