Researcher perspectives: Ewan Walker

Ewan Walker is one of our PhD students. He is exploring why some people are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at a much later and more severe stage than others, with a particular focus on African and African Caribbean communities.

In September 2026, we spoke to Ewan about his academic journey, his PhD and what motivated him to start using data to understand inequalities in diabetes care.

Finding the perfect fit

My journey into research started at the University of Dundee, where I studied Biomedical Sciences. During my degree, I developed a strong interest in metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension.

After my undergraduate degree, I stayed in Dundee to complete a Master’s Degree in Health Data Science for Applied Precision Medicine. The course combined my interests in health data, diabetes and population health. It also opened my eyes to an important issue: much of the evidence underpinning healthcare comes from studies involving predominantly white European populations, leaving significant gaps in our understanding of other groups.

That realisation sparked a lasting interest in ethnic health inequalities and how better data can help address them. When I came across a PhD opportunity focused on diabetes and African Caribbean populations, it felt like the perfect fit.

“I’ve always been particularly interested in metabolic and other non-communicable diseases.

“What I find fascinating is how major health challenges have shifted over time. Today, conditions such as diabetes and its complications can have a profound impact on people’s lives, from sight loss to other serious long-term health problems.

“Understanding and addressing these diseases through research is an area that has always motivated me.”

Using data to understand inequalities in diabetes care

I’ve always been fascinated by data. Even before starting my PhD, I found myself tracking and analysing everything from sleep patterns to music ratings just because I enjoyed seeing what the data could reveal.

Research gave me a way to combine that curiosity with work that could make a real difference to people’s lives. Diabetes became a particular focus because of its widespread impact and the serious complications it can cause, including sight loss, cardiovascular disease and other long-term health problems. I was also interested in the fact that there were still important unanswered questions, especially around ethnicity and diabetes outcomes.

Exploring high blood sugar and healthcare-seeking behaviour

My PhD explores why African and African Caribbean people in the UK are often diagnosed with type 2 diabetes when their blood sugar levels are already very high. Researchers have known this pattern exists, but we don’t fully understand why.

I’m investigating whether these differences are driven by biological factors, differences in access to healthcare, or patterns of healthcare use. I’m also examining the characteristics of people who are diagnosed with very high blood sugar levels and tracking what happens to them over time.

Another important area of my work focuses on healthcare-seeking behaviour. In simple terms, I want to understand whether people can access healthcare services when they need them and whether barriers to care could be contributing to delayed diagnosis.

Earlier diagnosis prevents serious complications

The earlier type 2 diabetes is diagnosed, the better the chances of preventing serious complications. My research aims to identify the factors contributing to delayed diagnosis and poorer outcomes in some communities.

Ultimately, I hope the findings will help clinicians, policymakers and healthcare services identify people at risk earlier and provide more equitable care. The work may also contribute to efforts to reduce long-standing ethnic inequalities in diabetes diagnosis and treatment.

The road to fairer and more effective healthcare

The people I most hope will benefit are those living with, or at risk of developing, type 2 diabetes. I would particularly like to reach people from communities that have traditionally been underrepresented in research.

I’m passionate about making research more inclusive and ensuring that healthcare decisions are informed by evidence that reflects the diversity of the population. If we can better understand why some groups experience poorer outcomes, we can start designing interventions that are fairer and more effective.

Research is a marathon, not a sprint

As I reflect on my PhD experience, one lesson stands out above all others: research is a marathon, not a sprint. Learning how to sustain momentum over the long term may be just as important as the research itself.

You also need to be ready for a lot of lone working. When I did my undergraduate and master’s degrees I got used to working in groups. Doing a PhD is very different. You need to really be accountable to yourself.

Planning for the future

First and foremost, I want to complete my PhD and see this work translated into meaningful improvements in healthcare. Beyond that, I’m still exploring my options. I’m interested in continuing to work with health data, whether through organisations such as Health Data Research UK, Precision Medicine Scotland, or other research and innovation settings.

What I know for certain is that I enjoy working with people and finding ways to use data to answer important health questions. I’d like to stay connected to that work, wherever it takes me next.

And after years of studying without a break, I might take a little time to recharge. My dream is to spend some time working remotely from Cape Cod in the United States, combining health data research with a bit of travel and a change of scenery.