The Life and Work of Diabetes Researcher Knut Dahl-Jørgensen

Photo: Julie Nybakk Kvaal, UiO

Professor and Senior Consultant Knut Dahl-Jørgensen has been researching viruses as a possible cause of type 1 diabetes for over 20 years. Despite being retired, he has no plans to stop anytime soon. Since becoming a Professor Emeritus, he has helped raise over 100 million kroner for diabetes research, and he remains deeply involved in research, continuously finding inspiration from the support of the scientific community and through collaboration with younger researchers and international colleagues.

“I think the future looks bright for our research, and I want to be a part of it.”

His interest in medicine was sparked by his own experiences with illness as a child. As an adult, he became a Professor at the Institute of Clinical Medicine at the University of Oslo and a Senior Consultant at Oslo University Hospital. His passion for diabetes research began at the Pediatric Department at Aker Hospital. He also served as Chairman of the Oslo Diabetes Research Centre from 2013 to 2018 and currently serves as the Chairman for the Aker and Ullevål Diabetes Research Fund.

Want to learn more about Knut’s fascinating journey and groundbreaking research? Check out the University of Oslo's podcast Universitetsplassen, in Norwegian, where Knut was recently featured.

Knut’s research has shown that viral infections might be involved in developing type 1 diabetes. In a 2023 study with 96 children and teens newly diagnosed with diabetes, his research group found that antiviral medication helped slow down the decline in insulin production. This groundbreaking discovery has earned significant international recognition, adding weight to the idea that type 1 diabetes may be triggered by viruses.

“This discovery significantly strengthens the argument that viruses are a cause of type 1 diabetes.”

The podcast interview offers insights into his career, his contributions to diabetes research, and what keeps him motivated. Don’t miss this inspiring episode!

This is a summary of a text originally published in Norwegian.