PhD for Pre-diabetes Researcher

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Dr Angezwa Siboto, a Laboratory Technician at Nelson Mandela University (NMU), said she was elated to graduate with her PhD in Human Physiology from her alma mater, UKZN.

As a child, Siboto  – who grew up in KwaNgquba, a small village in Sterkspriut, Eastern Cape – aspired to be a lawyer, however, exposure to scientific concepts and experiments in high school ignited a passion for science research.

Siboto obtained a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Genetics at UKZN before graduating with an Honours in Human Physiology as well as a master’s that led her to join a cutting-edge pre-diabetes research group in the discipline, the focus of her doctoral degree.

Led by one of Siboto’s PhD supervisors, Associate Professor Andile Khathi who created a novel animal model for diet-induced prediabetes (a condition where the blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis), this model was the first in the world to achieve this without any chemical or genetic manipulation.

Because patients with pre-diabetes face an elevated risk of developing various conditions, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetic nephropathy, upon diagnosis, the recommended approach involves a combination of pharmacotherapy and lifestyle adjustments. ‘However, there is a documented issue of poor patient adherence to dietary changes, with a heavy reliance on pharmacological treatments, leading to reduced drug efficacy. Consequently, there is a demand for innovative drugs that can maintain therapeutic effects even without dietary modifications,’ Siboto explained.

Siboto’s study assessed the impact of a rhenium (V) compound with uracil-derived ligands on selected pre-diabetic complications in diet-induced pre-diabetes, considering both the presence and absence of dietary intervention. The findings implied that rhenium (V) compound demonstrated protective effects on the liver and kidneys, while also improving cardiovascular function in diet-induced pre-diabetic rats.

While additional investigations are necessary to elucidate the precise mechanism responsible for the potential effects of this metal-based compound, Siboto’s study was significant as it lent itself to increasing awareness about prediabetes and encouraging community members to seek treatment for prediabetes before it progresses to type 2 diabetes.

The study provided additional insights into already published literature regarding the use of metal complexes as pharmacological agents for treating prediabetes and pre-diabetic associated complications.

‘My fascination with diabetes-related research stems from personal experiences; several family members struggle with the disease. Engaging in this research is my way of contributing to efforts aimed at assisting my family in managing diabetes,’ Siboto said.

‘I am really happy and proud of this achievement,’ said Siboto about her PhD. ‘My forthcoming project focuses on conducting science research, particularly in women’s health, and actively supporting young Black women, especially those from rural regions to pursue their educational journeys in the field of science.’

Siboto thanked her family for being an unwavering pillar of support throughout her educational career. ‘Their presence has not only been comforting but also empowering, providing me with the strength and determination to overcome obstacles and achieve my academic goals.’

Siboto said she loved cooking and exercising. Her motto in life is: ‘Always be humble and gentle with everyone around you’.

Words: Lunga Memela

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini