Patients
"I wanted to do something that might help other people living with diabetes."
Take part in research
Help shape the future of diabetes care while gaining access to new knowledge, support and opportunities to make difference for yourself and for others.
What is diabetes research?
Diabetes research helps us find better ways to prevent, manage, and treat diabetes. Some studies look at new treatments or technologies. Others explore ways to improve care, education, or long-term outcomes.
Taking part in research is one way to influence future healthcare services. It can also help people feel more informed, involved and connected to the care they receive.
Why take part?
Taking part in research can help you better understand your diabetes and how it affects your health. You may learn about new treatments, technologies, care approaches and emerging developments before they become widely available. Some studies also provide access to additional assessments, monitoring or biomarkers that can help improve understanding of your condition and support earlier diagnosis or intervention in the future.
Research studies often involve multidisciplinary teams including doctors, nurses, dietitians, psychologists, pharmacists and research specialists. While research is not a replacement for your usual care, taking part may give you opportunities to engage with professionals who can provide additional information, support and guidance throughout your research journey.
Every research participant helps improve our understanding of diabetes and how care can be delivered more effectively. By sharing your experiences and taking part in studies, you can help shape future treatments, services and care pathways that benefit others living with diabetes now and in the future.
Many people face barriers to taking part in research, including travel, time commitments and limited opportunities close to home. By participating in community-based research, you help demonstrate how studies can be delivered in local settings, remotely or through flexible approaches that make research more accessible and representative of the communities it aims to serve.
Many people tell us that taking part in research gives them a greater sense of involvement in their own healthcare. Research creates opportunities to ask questions, share your experiences and contribute your perspective. Your lived experience is valuable and can help researchers design studies that better meet the needs of people living with diabetes.
Research drives progress. From developing new treatments and technologies to identifying ways to prevent complications and improve quality of life, every study contributes to advancing diabetes care. By taking part, you are helping create a future where people can live healthier, longer and more independent lives with diabetes.
Patients can be partners in research, not just participants. There may be opportunities to help design studies, review participant information, advise on research priorities, share your experiences as a patient ambassador or contribute to patient advisory groups. These roles help ensure research is shaped by the people it is intended to benefit.
Patient voices help make research better, more relevant and more accessible for everyone
People living with diabetes tell us that taking part in research is about more than contributing to a study. It's about feeling informed, empowered and involved in improving care.
Patients consistently tell us they want research to be:
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Simple and easy to understand – with clear information and straightforward processes.
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Accessible and convenient – delivered closer to home or through flexible participation options.
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Respectful of people's time – fitting around everyday life.
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Hopeful and forward-looking – providing opportunities to learn about new treatments and technologies.
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Inclusive and representative – reflecting the experiences of diverse communities.
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Meaningful and impactful – helping improve care for future generations.
Many people also value the opportunity to share their experiences and help shape research, ensuring studies focus on what matters most to people living with diabetes.
What to expect from expressing interest in diabetes research?
You can register you interest in current or upcoming studies
Our team will explain what a study involves and answer your questions clearly
If a study is right for you, you will be supported throughout by experienced staff
Taking part is always your choice, and you can withdraw at any time
Research closer to home
A core aim of the centre is to make diabetes research easier to access. We work across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in bespoke research facilities and local healthcare settings, with the flexibility to deliver research through a range of sites and models. In some instances, we can also offer remote participation, so you can participate in cutting-edge research from the comfort of your own home.
Over time, this includes community-based approaches such as drop-in assessments, virtual participation, home visits where appropriate, and partnerships with local networks to reach underserved communities.