A leading Exeter diabetes nurse has scooped the international $250,000 (£200,000) Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, surpassing over 50,000 fellow applicants.

Professor Maggie Shepherd of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and University of Exeter has been honoured with the prestigious award for her ground-breaking work in transforming diabetes care.

As a leading research nurse for monogenic (single gene) diabetes, Maggie’s contribution to the field has positively impacted the lives of countless individuals throughout the UK. Her expertise and dedication have led to improved understanding and treatment of this condition, Her work as a founding member of the Exeter Monogenic Diabetes Team has been instrumental in translating genetic findings into practical clinical care through sharing information and training diabetes teams across the UK.

Established in 2021, the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Awards aims to recognise the selfless contribution of nurses to millions of patients worldwide. The 2023 awards received a record entry of over 52,000 applications across 202 countries.

Speaking on her win, Professor Maggie Shepherd said: "I am deeply humbled and grateful to receive the prestigious Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award. As healthcare professionals, we are privileged to be able to make a positive impact on the lives of our patients, and I feel blessed to be part of such a rewarding profession.

"This award not only recognises my personal achievements but also highlights the importance of nursing as a critical component of healthcare. Thank you to all my colleagues, mentors, and patients who have supported me throughout my career."

Carolyn Mills, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Chief Nursing Officer, said:

"We would like to express our heartfelt congratulations to Maggie for her achievement in winning a highly coveted award. Her efforts have had a profound impact on the lives of diabetes patients and are shaping the future of our services, which fills us with immense pride. Maggie's hard work and dedication have been rewarded on a global scale, and we are honoured to have her as part of our team.

"As a research-focused Trust that values innovation, we are privileged to collaborate with The University of Exeter on such exciting projects. Maggie's exceptional work in the field of monogenic diabetes has been a source of inspiration to us all, and we are grateful for her invaluable contributions."

Professor Lisa Roberts, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said: "We’re incredibly proud of Maggie – this win is a huge feat and we’re delighted to see her recognised on an international stage. She has led the way in improving diabetes care across the world, as part of our pioneering team. On behalf of the university community, I’d like to congratulate Maggie on this extremely well-deserved accolade."

Dr Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman and Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare, said: "We are honoured to announce Ms Margaret Helen Shepherd from the United Kingdom as the winner of this year's Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award. She has exemplified the highest standards of patient care and dedication that is inspirational, and it deserves global recognition."

Ms. Alisha Moopen, Deputy Managing Director, Aster DM Healthcare, said: "Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award is a small yet significant expression of gratitude that aligns with this year's International Nurses Day theme, ‘Our Nurses. Our Future’. Nurses ensure that patients receive high-quality care and often go beyond their call of duty to ensure that the right care is provided. This often helps them develop into other areas like research, innovation, mentorship, education, digitization among others as the stories of this year’s finalists and the winner have showcased."