Back to Research Grants Program 2020

Research Grants Program 2020 – awarded $100,000

For addressing life threatening ketoacidosis associated with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and key antidiabetic medicines.

Dr David Jesudason – The University of Adelaide and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Dr David Jesudason came to Adelaide from Singapore with his family when he was 6 years old. He went on to study to be a doctor at Adelaide University, ultimately becoming a leading endocrinologist.

After receiving further training in London, he returned to Adelaide working at the RAH and also inprivate practice. Dr Jesudason is married and has two children, a son and a daughter.

In 2007, Dr Jesudason commenced his PhD at the CSIRO. The PhD looked at comparing high and normal protein diets and their effect on bone health. After he completed his PhD, Dr Jesudason worked full time at the QEH as the Head of Endocrinology Unit but also worked in Aboriginal health clinics in Ceduna, Port Augusta and Yalata.

The Diabetes SA Research Grants Program will fund the research into the SGLT2 inhibitors which are an excellent new class of drug used for people living with type 2 diabetes. The drug is used to lower blood glucose but there has been a rise in the number of type 2 patients developing diabetes ketoacidosis when using it. This is a condition normally found only in people with type 1 diabetes.

This ketoacidosis often develops when the patient is unwell or when undergoing major surgery. “By understanding how ketoacidosis develops in type 2 diabetics on these medications, we are hoping to predict who are most at risk so we can take preventative measures”, said Dr Jesudason.

“From a clinician’s point of view, the Diabetes SA Research Grants Program is an excellent initiative, and all made possible by the generosity of their donors. This investment will ultimately give back to the community in the future”, Dr Jesudason concluded.