IDF Europe Press Release
Wednesday 13 November
Researcher studying biological factors of blood
glucose variability wins 2013 IDF Europe Prize in
Diabetes for Young Researcher
Brussels, 13 November 2013 – Doctor Krisztina Lukacs of the Semmelweis University,
Budapest (Hungary) was presented with the 2013 IDF Europe Prize in Diabetes for Young
Researcher today at an award ceremony at the European Parliament in Brussels. The prize
was awarded in recognition of her outstanding scientific work in the field of genetics and
diabetes.
An internist and diabetologist, Krisztina Lukacs always had a strong interest in the role
played by genetic factors in the development of diabetes. “While treating people with
diabetes, I have witnessed a dramatic increase in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes in
Hungary, as it is also the case in most European countries. One way to understand the
mechanisms that cause diabetes is to study the genetic background of the disease. This is
why I always saw a great opportunity in using the latest technologies in genetic testing to
help understand what causes diabetes”, she says. Since 2006, Doctor Lukacs has taken part
in several patient-oriented clinical and basic research programmes focusing on the
epidemiology, genetics and other mechanisms causing type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Doctor Lukacs has currently embarked on a large population-based clinical study to
determine the biological and environmental factors of severe hypoglycemia in people with
type 1 diabetes. “The important variations in blood glucose levels that are partly caused by
hypoglycemia can increase the risk of developing health complications, leading to a poor
quality of life. These variations can also be considered the greatest barrier to achieve and
maintain good metabolic control,” she explains. “At the moment we have only limited
knowledge about the possible role of genetic and environmental factors in glucose variability.
In everyday clinical practice, we know that it is difficult for people with type 1 diabetes to
control blood glucose levels under certain weather conditions, but the direct effects on
glucose variability are not completely understood,” she adds. The clinical study, led out of
the Semmelweis University, will therefore try to identify new biomarkers and environmental
factors that have an impact on glucose levels and the risk of hypoglycemia in type 1
diabetes.
As part of World Diabetes Day celebrations in the European Parliament in Brussels, Doctor
Lukacs received today the IDF Europe Prize in Diabetes for Young Researcher. “We are
pleased to hand over the prize to Doctor Krisztina Lukacs, said Professor Sehnaz Karadeniz,
President Elect of IDF Europe and Chair of the prize’s Nominating Committee. “Her scientific
work aiming to better understand, predict and prevent hypoglycemia is undoubtedly a major
contribution in improving the lives of people living with diabetes.”
Doctor Lukacs was present in Brussels to receive the award personally. “It is an honour for
me to receive this prize. Through our research, we strive to improve diabetes prediction,
screening and treatment. Our ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life and the health
outcomes for people living with diabetes,” she said.
IDF Europe Press Release
As the winner of the IDF Europe Prize in Diabetes for Young Research, Doctor Krisztina
Lukacs will receive a cheque of 10,000 euros that she will donate to a charity of her choice.
An initiative led by the European Region of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF
Europe), the Prize in Diabetes for Young Researcher is supported from Novartis
Pharmaceuticals.
-ENDS--------------------Notes to editors:
Press contact
Gaël Bassetto, Communication Officer, IDF Europe
166, Chaussée de la Hulpe, B-1170 Watermael Boitsfort
T: +32 (0)2 639 20 91
M: +32 (0)490 39 89 99
E: gael.bassetto@idf-europe.org
About the IDF Europe Prize in Diabetes
Launched in 2012, the IDF Europe Prize in Diabetes rewards excellence, innovation and
commitment in Diabetes.
This award also aims at increasing awareness of diabetes and recognizing outstanding
individuals who have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of people with diabetes
through their work and through research.
This year, IDF Europe is awarding two prizes: one in the category Long-Standing
Achievement and one in the category Young Researcher.
About the International Diabetes Federation European Region - IDF Europe
IDF Europe is the European Region of the International Diabetes Federation. We are an
umbrella organisation uniting 66 diabetes associations in 47 countries. We represent people
with diabetes and their families, as well as health professionals working in diabetes.
Through our work, we aim to influence policy, increase public awareness and encourage
health improvement, promote the exchange of best practice and high-quality information
about diabetes in all countries throughout the Region.
For more information, visit www.idf-europe.org.