LAEA MEDLEY

A UKZN biochemistry Master’s student has been selected for a grant by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and will present her results at the 21st World Diabetes Congress in Dubai in December.

Rachel Wilson, 23, is one of only 100 people selected worldwide for the grant.

“It’s awesome to have been selected,” she said. “I’m so excited. They only selected 100 people and the age limit was 30, so I’m going to be competing with doctors and highly qualified people. It’s quite nerve-racking, but also exciting.”

The grant will cover Wilson’s travel, her registration and accommodation in Dubai.

“It’s such a great opportunity to go there and present with people who are top of their fields,” she said.

The focus of Wilson’s research is type-2 diabetes, and she highlights that diabetes caused by obesity is a serious problem.

“The cost to national health care budgets in many countries over a 10-year period is well over $1 billion”

Diabetes is the fourth major cause of death in South Africa, after HIV/Aids, heart disease and respiratory infections.

“The most positive fact about diabetes is that it is largely controllable and often reversible,” said Wilson.

“Intensive educational campaigning at all levels of society will minimise the crippling effect it would otherwise have on our economy.”

Wilson and her supervisor, Shahidul Islam, believe that sport and good nutrition are the keys to combating some of the world’s most fatal diseases, including diabetes.

“Through my interactions with people who suffer from diabetes, I have repeatedly seen the need for more comprehensive treatment options,” said Wilson.

“I therefore aim to establish an organisation that provides a support system of exercise facilities, nutritional consultations, psychological assistance, and educational services.”

Wilson also aims to complete a PhD in biochemistry, and then study medicine to become an endocrinologist.

“I would like to establish an international company that revolutionises health care,” she said.

Wilson also volunteers at iThemba Lethu, a home for children with HIV/Aids, and has started a website, www.nutritionalbiochem.blogspot .com, that offers free scientific knowledge on nutritional issues.

laea.medley@inl.co.za