By participating in a JDRF funded research study, you play an important role in the fight to treat and cure type 1 diabetes. JDRF is able to help identify opportunities for members of the public to get involved in research should this be of interest. The decision to participate, however, is very personal and should be made only after speaking with the research team at the relevant institution.
JDRF Clinical Trial Connection
If you decide that you are interested in taking part in research clinical trials then why not join the JDRF Clinical Trial Connection website? This online service is designed to help people with type 1 and their families better understand the clinical trial landscape. The website provides you with information about, and access to, clinical trials – both JDRF-funded and others. You can search the site using criteria like the type of trial you are interested in and how long you have had type 1. The site will the let you know about studies that match those characteristics.
Please see below for details of current studies that you can get involved in.
TrialNet
TrialNet is a network running throughout the United States, Canada, Finland, UK, Italy, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand. This network is dedicated to the study, prevention, and early treatment of type 1 diabetes.
Can you help? TrialNet is running two studies in the UK at the moment, one for relatives of people with type 1 diabetes (Natural history of the development of type 1 diabetes) and one for people newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T cell validation study). You may also be able to help by giving blood as a control participant if you do not have diabetes or a relative with diabetes.
The Natural History Study
TrialNet is recruiting close family members of people who have diabetes because they are likely to be at higher risk of developing it themselves. The aim of the study is to learn more about how diabetes occurs by looking at early markers of diabetes in the blood.
The study involves taking a blood sample and testing it for autoantibodies. If these are found, an oral glucose tolerance test and further antibody and genetic testing will be done. This will give a risk factor. Follow up tests will be carried out every six months.
The T cell Assay Validation Study
This study compares four different laboratory tests which examine T cells. T cells destroy cells in the pancreas that make insulin which leads to development of type 1 diabetes. This study is being done to improve the tests we use in type 1 diabetes studies. TrialNet is recruiting people with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes and a control group of people who do not have type 1 diabetes.
The study involves taking two blood samples (and a mouth swab for the control group). The blood is then used to try out different T cell tests to see which method is most reliable.
How to get involved
If you think you may be able to help please get in touch on 0117 959 6188 or email trialnet-uk@bristol.ac.uk. UK sites are based in Bristol, Birmingham, Norwich, Newcastle and Belfast but you may be able to take part even if you do not live near a site. Please contact TrialNet if you would like to find out more.
TrialNet is also planning a study to test oral insulin for the prevention of type 1 diabetes in people at high risk. People who are eligible will be identified from those taking part in the Natural History study. This study is due to start early in 2008 - more details to follow.
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Please note that volunteers can withdraw from the study at any time without giving reason and any samples would be destroyed. Liability for research studies lies within the sponsoring university/hospital/clinic. Enquiries regarding research studies should be directed to the institution, not JDRF. To post information about volunteer recruitment for a research study or clinical trial please contact our Communications team on 020 7713 2030 or email info@jdrf.org.uk. |
If you would like information about other research studies or clinical trials throughout the UK please visit the UK Diabetes Research Network website.
