While sometimes controversial, diabetic clinical trials need to be conducted on human beings before final approval for use by the general population. Before getting to the human stage, diabetic clinical trials involving potential new drug treatments have already gone through many tests, usually involving animals just prior to humans. Some people even protest the use of animals in these trials, but it is only through these tests that new drugs, therapies, and maybe one day a cure will be found for effectively treating the diabetic. The main complaint of people that are against these trials is that animals have no choice in participation and often end up dying or being killed as part of the research.

Clinical trials on humans are done on a voluntary basis. Sometimes the patients in these trials are compensated for their efforts, and in all cases the treatments, drugs, and therapies are provided at no cost. If you are invited or have the opportunity to participate in one of these trials, you should consider it seriously – you may be a part of a cure.

 

What is Involved to Participate in Diabetic Clinical Trials?

 

An organization known as JDRF focuses on type 1 diabetes, and they are the largest contributor to diabetes type 1 research and diabetic clinical trials aimed at treating type 1 diabetes. They have set up a website that makes participating easy. The site can be found at https://trials.jdrf.org and not only will they provide all the basic information you need, But will make the process simple if you decide you want to become involved in this important work, or have your child participate. All the diabetic clinical trials currently being done or in the planning stages are listed. They call the service the JDRF Clinical Trials Connection. Clinical Trials Connection is for people personally affected by the condition and its complications, looking to be knowledgeable on research progress and opportunities for themselves or minors in their care. You can even sign up to be notified of new trials that you might be a candidate for if none of the current trials are a fit.

 

Who Else is Conducting Diabetic Clinical Trials?

 

There are other organizations doing similar work that make it easy to research current diabetic clinical trials focused on type 1 diabetes. They will provide ways for you to research and sign up on line as well. Some of them are listed below.

  • The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the NIH, has set up an online listing of type 1 diabetes clinical trials that users can use to search by location or by eligibility
  • Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet is a group of studies looking at the prevention and early treatment of type 1 diabetes.
  • ClinicalTrials.gov also lists NIH-sponsored trials that have been scientifically reviewed through NIH mechanisms and approved by government council.