Geneva researchers awarded a grant to advance imaging of diabetic neuropathy

A new research project led by Prof. Felix T. Kurz, Dr. Karim Gariani, and Dr. Agustina Lascano at the University of Geneva and Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) has received funding to explore innovative diagnostic tools for diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN), the most common neurological complication of diabetes, affecting up to 50% of patients.

As the global prevalence of diabetes rises, particularly among younger individuals, DPN has become a major public health challenge. Using next-generation 7 Tesla MRI, the project aims to visualise peripheral nerves with unprecedented precision, analyse vascular and metabolic changes, and develop AI-based methods to detect early biomarkers of nerve damage.

By combining advanced imaging, neurophysiological testing, and artificial intelligence, the researchers hope to improve early diagnosis and personalised therapeutic monitoring for patients suffering from diabetic neuropathy.

Project title: Leveraging next-generation 7 Tesla MRI to enhance diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of diabetic polyneuropathy
Duration: two years. Anticipated start date: 01.01.2026.
Principal Investigators: Prof. Felix T. Kurz, Dr. Karim Gariani, Dr. Agustina Lascano
Partners: Prof. Johann Jende (DKFZ, Germany), Prof. Rares Salomir (HUG, Switzerland)

https://data.snf.ch/grants/grant/10005333

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