University of Otago academic Dr Lianne Parkin has received a grant of more than $210,000 for research to help counter the "big issue" of type 2 diabetes.
Dr Parkin and other Otago University researchers are among the first recipients of new partnership grants from Pharmac and the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC).
The $213,229 grant, over two years, supports research into the use of metformin by people with diabetes.
This drug is the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, but overseas research shows that many patients do not use it as prescribed.
Dr Parkin, of the Otago department of preventive and social medicine, said type 2 diabetes was "an important cause of heart disease and kidney failure", and could also cause eye or foot problems in some people.
Pharmac chief executive Steffan Crausaz said Dr Parkin’s research "will give us a better idea as to why people might not continue taking the medicine they need to keep them well".
Type 2 diabetes imposes a substantial burden on New Zealanders, particularly Maori and Pacific peoples.
Overseas research has found many patients have suboptimal metformin adherence and persistence.
Such a response was important because it was "associated with a higher risk of diabetes complications".
Persistence refers to whether a person stays on a therapy, while adherence refers to whether a person takes a medication as prescribed.