Introduction 

The University of Pretoria (UP) Diabetes Research Centre (Diabetes@UP) will be a multidisciplinary, interdepartmental and interfaculty initiative which aims to champion and promote optimal diabetes prevention and control at all levels of care through research, innovation and advocacy. Already, a number of UP departments are doing exemplary diabetes research in various areas.

The Diabetes Research Centre will strategically combine the research conducted in this field into a focused and well managed initiative. The proposed Diabetes@UP endeavours to deliver top quality scientific contributions as practical solutions to problems of diabetes prevention and control at national and/or regional level. The current availability of digital tools, as well as technological advances in the management of diabetes together with existing collaborations between various UP departments creates a unique opportunity for a UP Diabetes Research Centre not seen elsewhere in SA.

The Diabetes@UP Research Centre will strive to:

1. Create an environment that enables and supports world-class research in diabetes;
2. Catalyse and promote diabetes research and innovations through multidisciplinary collaborations and strategic partnerships;
3. Translate new knowledge into improved diabetes care, management and prevention;
4. Provide practical and up-to-date training for the management of diabetes to healthcare professionals;
5. Advocate for sustainable, evidence-based, culturally sensitive and person-centred care for people with diabetes.

 Objectives:

The Diabetes@UP Research Centre aims to:

1. Establish an inter-departmental (including inter-faculty) collaborative structure that will optimise diabetes research efforts across academic departments;
2. Engage communities, promote awareness and conduct research that reflects issues and needs of people living with diabetes;
3. Advise policy makers on sustainable cost-effective options for optimal diabetes management and control;
4. Provide technical assistance to DoH in their efforts to combat NCDs, especially diabetes;
5. Develop human capital through education and training;
6. Promote national and international networks with relevant partners