David Matthews
David Matthews is Professor of Diabetes Medicine, University of Oxford, Consultant Physician, Oxford Radcliffe Hospital NHS Trust and Chairman of the Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism and he is Medical Tutor at Harris Manchester College, Oxford. He divides his time between patient care, research and teaching.
Professor Matthews particular interest is in understanding the epidemic of type 2 diabetes and in particular has researched into the causes of the failure of the beta-cells that produce insulin. His research covers aspects of beta-cell failure and insulin resistance which are interrelated. The mechanisms relating to the emergence of type 2 diabetes in any individual are fundamental to understanding both the onset of the disease and how quickly it might progress.
At a more global level Professor Matthews is one of the partners in the Oxford Health Alliance, an organisation dedicated to research into and interventions for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in the world. The Alliance aims to encourage multiple stakeholders in addressing the environmental risks for the development of diabetes. These risks are global and can only be addressed by governmental and societal change.
At a more personal level Professor Matthews has been instrumental in setting up a website of seven decades of experiences of those who have diabetes and those who have cared for them – to be found on www.diabetes-stories.com.
