NAturals to prevent and/or cure DIAbetes (NADIA)

In Tanzania diabetes is a big health problem; between 0,5 to 5 million people, between 20-79 years, are living with undiagnosed diabetes and 75% of the people die from diabetes before the age of 60. The International Diabetic Federation (IDF) estimates that these numbers will increase in the future. Often the diabetics are also suffering from associated cardiovascular diseases, with a higher mortality as result. So it is clear that it is necessary to take some actions to prevent and/or cure diabetes and related diseases. The Tanzanian nature is a rich source of different insect and plant species. It is known that these are a source of interesting compounds for healing and preventing diseases. The main goal of this project is to develop an increase in competence and experience of academic staff to identify and investigate useful insects and plants and to develop a long term approach. An inventory of interesting plants and insects will be made and some preliminary analysis will be executed. The new knowledge will be implemented in the research and curriculum of the Tanzanian partner and aims to grow into a TEAM project.