Pernille Falberg Rønn, PhD completed her postdoctoral fellowship on “Mapping and Predicting Distinct Patterns of Glycaemic Control Across a Life Course in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes (MapForLife1)” at Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen with a grant from Danish Diabetes Academy (DDA) (now known as Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy).

We have asked Pernille Falberg Rønn to reflect on her time as a DDA-funded researcher.

What are the most important findings of your research project?

Based on nationwide register data, we found general increasing HbA1c values throughout childhood and adolescence with type 1 diabetes with the most important factors for a poorer HbA1c course being lower education among parents, non-Danish origin, and low frequency of blood glucose measurements. Surprisingly, we did not find a difference in HbA1c development among pen and pump users.

How is your research project relevant to the public?

The research has added to the understanding of glycaemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, which time periods are particularly vulnerable and identified factors to consider in the diabetes management and for guiding interventions.

What was a highlight in your time as a DDA-funded researcher?

I was so lucky to have a research stay in Denver, Colorado, where I lived for 3 months with my family.

Which challenges have you encountered (and overcome) on your way?

There has been challenges with the methods we planned to apply, which meant that we needed to change focus in a part of the project.

If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice before starting your research project, what would it be?

To be more realistic about what is possible to achieve during a three-year postdoc period.

What has your DDA grant meant for your research, education, and network?

It has meant a lot. Besides giving me the opportunity to work on a research project, that I really enjoy, it has been great to have a platform in DDEA that provided excellent courses and networking events.

What is next for you?

I have transitioned to a position as researcher at Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, where I, besides new projects and tasks, will continue the research I started in my postdoc.

We wish Pernille Falberg Rønn all the best in her future career.