Dr Moira Harrison

Principal Lecturer

contact:
Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
Moulsecoomb
Brighton
BN2 4GJ

Telephone: +44 (0)1273 642079

Email: M.Harrison@brighton.ac.uk

Research Interests

Diabetes

As an active researcher in the University of Brighton Diabetes Research Group (DRG) I am involved in several areas of research. These areas are mainly focussed on treating or investigating the complications of diabetes. However, as a scientist and a person with Type 1 diabetes my main interest, passion and goal in life is to cure diabetes.

Curing diabetes

Generation of islet replacements for transplantation using a novel bioreactor culture system.

Other ongoing research areas:

The effect of positive psychology on diabetes control and management.
Diabetes and depression often go hand in hand. Depression can impact negatively on quality of life and quality of diabetes control. Positive psychology has been shown to improve both quality of life and quantifiable biochemical parameters in other chronic disease states such as cardiovascular disease. We are currently running a investigation into the affect of a positive psychology intervention for people with diabetes. We are assessing the affect on quality of life as well as their diabetes control, blood pressure etc.

Mechanisms of cardiac stent restenosis in diabetes,
People with diabetes are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Often then receive stents to open blocked arteries. However they have a much higher incidence of a re-blockage (in stent restenosis) than people without diabetes. We are actively researching the mechanisms underlying this as well as trying to understand the interaction with the stent material. These ongoing areas of research involve collaborations with local NHS hospitals and their patient volunteers.

Insulin pump therapy (see separate section)

Investigating apoptosis in insulin containing cell lines and pseudoislets;
Glucose induced apoptosis; in vitro islet modelling studies
We are constantly trying to understand the mechanisms of cell death in insulin containing cells. In conjunction with this we are dedicated to creating physiologically-reflective islet models that will enable us to study diabetes more accurately and effectively and without the use of animals.

Exercise and diabetes
Type 2 diabetes has been shown to be preventable through early diet and exercise interventions. We have also found that moderate amounts of exercise improves insulin resistance for a prolonged period of time. These studies were carried out using continuous glucose monitoring.

Debunking the quack diabetes cures
There are several ongoing projects investigating so-called miracle cures offered on the internet. These products are comprehensively tested for their beneficial or detrimental effects on beta cell function, viability and insulin secretion. To date, we have not found one advertised product that is anything other than harmful to insulin-secreting cells. If you have purchased a product via the internet and are concerned or impressed with it and want it analysed further, then please contact me via email.

Voluntary activities

Member of Diabetes UK ( the main charity for diabetes in the UK)since 1984
 In my time as a volunteer working for Diabetes UK I have served as:

 Area-Coordinator for E Sussex and Kent (coordinating the branches, fund raising, giving and organising talks for the groups etc.

Trustee for the Charity in my capacity as representative of the Area Coordinators

Research committee member (responsible for reviewing grant applications, awarding grants to diabetes research)

NICE ( National Institute for Clinical Excellence) Diabetes UK representative on Advisory committee on topic selection and  patient witness to the NICE committee for the guidance on insulin pump therapy. Prior to that guidance, insulin pumps were not funded in the UK. They are now funded and available to those who meet the requirements as described in NICE guidance 57.

Science and Research Working Group Currently serving as the patient representative on this working group.

Advisory Council I have just completed four years as an Advisory Council member. The Advisory Council is composed of lay and professional members of Diabetes UK and their role is to help shape policy and guide the charity in its work.

INPUT
Committee member of INPUT
INPUT is a patient led support group for those who either wish to use an insulin pump, currently use an insulin pump or are a carer for someone on a pump. This includes health care professionals. INPUT works to educate, advocate and change policy in order to improve the lives and care of those on insulin pumps. We do this through face to face interactions, representations t to the media, speaking in Parliament, letter writing, establishing professional networks, family networks and many other activities.

As part of INPUT I am involved in putting on roadshows around the country for patients and clinicians. I also speak to local Diabetes UK groups about insulin pumps and we assist families in getting funding when they have been denied it .

INPUT also sits on the Medical Technology Group in London. This group works together with Parliamentary Working Groups, politicians, policy makers and the National Health Service to advance medical technologies such as insulin pump therapy. We have held several meetings, showcases and talks to MPs within the House of Commons.

As part of  INPUT I sat on the governments Department of Health’s Working Group on insulin Pump Therapy. Our remit under the guidance of the government appointed Diabetes ”Czar”, Dr. Sue Roberts was to produce a comprehensive document on the requirements for an effective national insulin pump service.

Please email if you wish further information or seek support/education in insulin pumps or would like to arrange a speaker for your local interest group or diabetes health care providers.

Book Chapter

Harrison, M., Bone, A., & Macfarlane, W. (2008)Pancreas Biology, Pathology and Tissue Engineering in Strategies in Regenerative Medicine: Integrating Biology with Materials Design. (in press). M. Santin (Ed.), Springer

Recent Publications