Objectives

The objectives of the Foundation are to support clinical and laboratory research to achieve these goals :

Preventing amputation
Each year approximately 3000 Australians with diabetes will require an amputation. Many other would have foot ulceration or ischaemia, greatly affecting their quality of life. The Foundation supports an extensive basic and clinical research programme on the prevention and treatment of foot disease in diabetes.
Preventing blindness
Diabetic eye diseases remain the most common cause of vision loss in young people. The Foundation supports research on identifying cellular mechanisms and individual susceptibility of diabetic retinopathy to facilitate its early detection and treatment.
Preventing heart disease
Heart disease is responsible for much of the increased mortality and morbidity due to diabetes. Together with our cardiology colleagues, the Foundation supports research on the effects of hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia on vascular disease, heart muscle abnormalities and sudden death due to cardiac conduction defects.
Preventing kidney failure
Diabetes is now the commonest cause of kidney failure in the world. The Foundation supports research on the basic mechanisms and treatment of this diabetic complication which is medically a major impediment to the health of the individuals and economically a huge burden to the community.