Diabetes Foundation
The Bo and Kerstin Hjelt Diabetes Foundation
The Bo & Kerstin Hjelt Diabetes Foundation was established in 2008 and is based in Switzerland. Its long-term goal is to fund research to prevent and cure type 2 diabetes.
The Bo and Kerstin Hjelt Diabetes Foundation support researchers at Geneva and Lund Universities.
Welcome to join us in the fight to find a cure for type 2 diabetes, one of the fastest growing diseases in the world. Your contribution will go directly to the researchers without any deductions.
About the Foundation
The foundation supports research at two of Europe’s leading centers for diabetes, the University of Lund in Sweden, represented by Prof. Leif Groop (read more) and the University of Geneva in Switzerland, represented by Prof. Claes Wollheim. Professor Leif Groop is former coordinator and present senior professor at the Diabetes Centre at the University of Lund, and Professor Claes Wollheim is a member of the Scientific Committee.
Bo and Kerstin Hjelt have dedicated a significant sum of money and time to develop the foundation’s resources and increase its capital base. Financially the basis of the Foundation is provided by a donation made by Bo and Kerstin Hjelt in 2008. It is planned to increase the capital through fund raising.
A chronic disease
Diabetes is a chronic disease, characterized by an excess of sugar in the blood. It is caused by an insufficient production, and impaired action of insulin regulating the level of sugar in the blood. The worldwide increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes is reaching frightening proportions. International studies show that we can expect a 40% increase in type 2 diabetes within the next 25-30 years.
Bo Hjelt is suffering from type 2 diabetes (T2D) since the mid 1990’s, requiring 5 daily insulin injections to control the disease. This and the knowledge that type 2 diabetes is currently reaching epidemic proportions worldwide, prompted Bo Hjelt, together with his wife Kerstin, to create a Foundation.
Approximately EUR 90’000 – is annually attributed to Geneva and Lund Universities for Fellowships: Each receiving EUR 45’000. After reception of research applications from the two universities, a Scientific Advisory Board comprising Leif Groop, Claes Wollheim, Joachim Karsegard, Lena Eliasson and Pierre Maechler will establish a list of candidates to whom Fellowships should be attributed.