Morten is an Associate Professor at the University Hospital of Southern Denmark (SDU) based in Esbjerg. He is a specialist in endocrinology and his research is mainly focused on diabetes care, especially type 1 and type 2 diabetes and childhood diabetes. In collaboration with SDU, Professor Bjerregaard-Andersen completed his PhD with a focus on twin studies in Guinea-Bissau. During his PhD he studied neonatal and perinatal mortality and the long-term risks of diabetes and metabolic syndrome and was instrumental in establishing a twin registry in the region. During his postdoctoral training, he joined the Bandim Health Project , where his work focused on the non-specific effects of the BCG vaccine.
He is currently working on a protocol to compare diabetes care and outcomes between Denmark and Guinea-Bissau to improve patient care in both regions. Throughout his career, he has used a wide range of research methods. He started with observational studies such as cross-sectional and case-control studies, before moving on to more complex methods such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Today, his work involves a variety of study designs, with an emphasis on quantitative methods.
His career in global health began early, during his medical studies at Aarhus University, where he spent a research year in Guinea-Bissau. There he gained hands-on experience in tuberculosis research and learned essential skills in scientific work. This time in Africa was crucial for his career in global health. The contrasts he observed between Denmark and Guinea-Bissau sparked his interest in health inequalities, a topic that continues to shape his research today. He emphasizes the importance of using data to improve the patient's quality of life. A central theme of Professor Bjerregaard-Andersen's work is the reduction of health inequalities, particularly in the context of diabetes. He focuses on how complications and mortality from diabetes are significantly higher in low-income countries than in high-income countries. This disparity is a driving force behind his research, and he is committed to addressing these challenges by developing evidence-based interventions that promote equity in diabetes care.
His work is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (good health and well-being) and SDG 10 (reducing inequality).
In addition to his research in Denmark and Guinea-Bissau, Morten collaborates with researchers around the world. He is committed to fostering links between researchers and students and is always willing to mentor students in his field or help them connect with other professionals in related fields. He believes that SDU and the Center for Global Health offer a strong and diverse network for students and researchers alike, with many opportunities for growth and collaboration.
