NOVA Medical School Celebrates Science and Technology Week 2024 with a Debate on Diabetes

On November 19, NOVA Medical School once again joined the celebrations of Science and Technology Week 2024 by hosting the roundtable discussion "Let’s Talk About Diabetes." This event, aimed at high school students, brought together young researchers and individuals living with diabetes.

Moderated by André Martins, a medical student and contributor to Revista Frontal, the conversation addressed the various challenges and achievements of living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It also highlighted the importance of raising awareness about healthy habits for prevention, as well as major scientific and technological advancements in this field. The event provided an excellent opportunity to showcase some ongoing projects at NOVA Medical School, which range from studying the physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms of diabetes to exploring its connection with obesity and potential links to the progression of Parkinson’s Disease.

The discussion featured contributions from NOVA Medical School researchers Ana Raimundo, who also lives with Type 2 diabetes, Joana Sacramento, and Tatiana Burrinha; Ph.D. student Luís Sousa; and Helena Pereira, a high school student who shared her experience of living with Type 1 diabetes.

This initiative took place as part of World Diabetes Day (celebrated on November 14) in collaboration with the Fundamental and Translational Research Group of the Portuguese Diabetes Society and the European PAS GRAS project. The event also featured the participation of the PhD Students Committee, which organized a Happy Hour dedicated to the theme, offering healthy drinks and snacks.