Diabetes the theme of the Olof Rudbeck Day

In fact, diabetes has featured before at the Olof Rudbeck Day. But with research constantly moving forward, it remains a subject – and a widespread disease – worth returning to. The chosen theme for this year is therefore Diabetes – a silent pandemic.

“A great deal has happened since last time, and we felt it was about time again,” says Stellan Sandler, Chair of Upsala Läkareförening and Programme Director for this year’s Olof Rudbeck Day.

“The disease is becoming increasingly common, both in Sweden and globally, while, at the same time, new advances are being made in research and treatment, so the timing felt right.”

Per-Ola Carlsson, Professor of Medical Cell Biology at the Department of Medical Sciences, has also been involved as Programme Director this year.

“Diabetes research has long been a strong field within the Disciplinary Domain of Medicine and Pharmacy in Uppsala, and both here and at other universities, a great deal is happening. We have aimed to cover several aspects in the programme – from understanding underlying causes, via the patient perspective, to modern treatment,” he explains, before Stellan Sandler adds:

“We are dividing the day into two parts – type 1 and type 2 diabetes – as they are, after all, two different diseases.”

From history to future cure

In total, the day will feature no fewer than eleven lectures, with the final one given by Lars Rönnblom, Senior Professor at Uppsala University and recipient of this year’s Olof Rudbeck Prize from Upsala Läkareförening. Both Stellan Sandler and Per-Ola Carlsson will also be among the speakers.

“I will open the day with a bit of history and a retrospective look at diabetes. It will be a brief summary, from papyrus scrolls in Thebes to where we are today,” says Stellan Sandler.

Over the past year, hopes have risen that type 1 diabetes could actually be cured in the future – thanks in part to research by, among others, Per-Ola Carlsson. In one study, he and his team has, for the first time ever, successfully transplanted insulin-producing cells into another individual without the use of immunosuppressive drugs. The research has received major international attention.

“We have managed to genetically modify these insulin-producing cells in various ways before transplantation, making them invisible to the immune system. The next step is to generate insulin-producing cells from stem cells and apply the same genetic modification. If we succeed and achieve good results, we may have a treatment that could become curative,” explains Per-Ola Carlsson.

Engaged and knowledgeable audience

The Olof Rudbeck Day traditionally attracts a large and engaged audience – from experts and researchers to members of the public who are often remarkably knowledgeable and interested.

“There are always exciting questions from the audience – and often very professional ones too. It is always a challenge, but an exciting one, for the researchers and other experts on stage,” says Stellan Sandler.

Finally, what are you most looking forward to during the day?

“It’s really the whole programme. We’ve managed to include most aspects, except perhaps issues relating to complications caused by the disease, where there is also a lot of interesting research and major progress. But if I have to choose one session, I’d say the one with Anders Tengholm, who will talk about insulin-producing cells,” says Stellan Sandler.

Per-Ola Carlsson agrees.

“I also appreciate the overall perspective – beginning with a historical look back and then moving on to today’s situation, including some cutting-edge research from Uppsala. Perhaps we are getting closer to a cure for type 1 diabetes and better treatments for those with type 2 diabetes, and I look forward to hearing more about that during the day,” he concludes.

Robin Widing