The Tshwane Insulin Project (TIP) is a 5-year translational research programme hosted by the University of Pretoria. The project is an innovative and multidisciplinary initiative sponsored by Lilly Global Health Partnership. The aim of the project is to improve diabetes management and care including insulin initiation and titration for people with type 2 diabetes in the primary health sector.

TIP was officially launched on the 19th September 2019 with Dr Yogan Pillay (Deputy Director-General, National Department of Health) as the keynote speaker. The programme is made of a series of studies from a knowledge, attitudes and practices survey (Phase 1), a review of the legal and policy framework for insulin use in primary care (Phase 2), an exploratory trial followed by a stepped wedge cluster randomised trial (Phase 3 & 4). The focus of the last year will be on the implementation of the intervention into routine care (Phase 5).

Prof Stephanie Burton, Vice-Principal of Research and Postgraduate Education, recognised the importance of this project in that it is not only relevant but also impactful, making this the type of research UP should be supporting. “It means we can have even more value and make even more of a difference,” Prof Burton said. “TIP is translational research in its prime.”