Human participants are involved in clinical trials.Clinical trials can help determine the effectiveness of new treatments.There are lots of clinical trials for you to consider if you want to participate in a diabetes trial.
Step 1: There are clinical trials on the website.
A database of publicly and privately supported clinical trials can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov.Information on trials from all over the world is provided.The National Institutes of Health has a website.You can combine the words "diabetes" with a city on the website, as well as search by topic and on a map.Patients can find information about clinical trials on the website.
Step 2: Organizations can be used to find clinical trials.
Clinical trials are listed on the websites of many diabetes organizations.Links to clinical trials are provided by the American Diabetes Association, The Endocrine Society and the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation.
Step 3: Look for a specific study.
There are many trials going on.You can find a study in your area.The Glycemia Reduction Approaches in Diabetes: a Comparative Effectiveness Study is funded by the National Institute of Health.There are 45 clinical sites where they are trying to enroll people.Children and adults with or at risk for type 2 diabetes are the focus of the Restoring Insulin Secretion (RISE) Study.There are four major cities in the US where this study is located.Diabetes TrialNet studies and runs trials focused on type 1 diabetes.
Step 4: You should check with universities and diabetes centers.
Clinical trials can be run by universities with medical programs.The Diabetes Center at the University of California San Francisco is one of many universities that conduct diabetes clinical trials.Clinical trials are also run by diabetes centers.
Step 5: You should know the type of diabetes you have.
The inclusion and exclusion criteria are used in clinical trials.Some want participants who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, while others might be looking for people who are at a risk for the disease.You can apply for a clinical trial if you know your status.Some trials want people who have had diabetes for a long time, while others don't.One study might want someone who has had diabetes for at least a year, while another may want a person who found out in the last six months.
Step 6: Know your weight.
There are weight requirements for some diabetes trials.A study might require the participant to be overweight or obese.Some trials might want participants with a certain body mass index.Knowing your weight can help you find trials.
Step 7: The age range should be determined.
Minimum age limits are found in most clinical trials.The ages may be from 13 to 18 to 64.There is a cap on how old a participant can be.If you read the eligibility, you will know if you are affected by the age restrictions.
Step 8: Exclusion criteria should be paid attention to.
Some studies have a list of people who aren't eligible for the study.There are certain conditions that may exclude you from a study.Depending on the parameters of the study, other exclusions might be more specific.It's important to read each part of the study carefully.Exclusions can include gender, race, or even future travel plans.
Step 9: Do you know what clinical trials are?
It's important for the medical field to have clinical research.New approaches to preventing or treating diseases are being researched in a clinical trial.A new treatment option, new ways to use existing treatments, or a new way to make a diagnosis are some of the things that might be included in a clinical trial.The aim of each clinical trial is to determine if the experimental treatments are safe and improve the quality of life for patients.People can participate in clinical trials for many reasons.Wanting to help with the advancement of medicine, trying out new treatments while receiving care by the staff running the trial, playing a more active role in your healthcare, and possibly being compensated for time, travel and participation are some reasons.
Step 10: Consider the length of the trial.
There are different lengths of clinical trials.Some diabetes trials last a long time.If a long trial is the kind of commitment you are willing to sign up for, it's a good place to start when deciding on a clinical trial.
Step 11: Do your research.
Before signing up for a clinical trial, research the trial and the people running it.Make sure the people involved answer your questions in a way that you understand.Make sure you understand what you are expected to do during the trial.Visit any websites related to the trial.Make sure you know the purpose of the study and why it's important.Find out who funded the study, who approved it, and how the participants are being monitored.The ethics and confidentiality rules should be followed by the clinical trial.If you decide to participate, make sure to ask about the IRB approval and read the informed consent.
Step 12: The trial will cost you.
Clinical trials are not free.You may have to pay for something.Ask how much it will cost you and what you will have to pay for.Look into travel costs for the trial.Clinical trials are covered by some insurance companies.Call your insurance company to find out what they won't cover.
Step 13: Understand the language.
Different methods are used to get the medicine to the participants in a clinical trial.You may see the words Placebo when you read about a clinical trial.A placebo is a product that you think is being tested, but is actually an inactive product.Randomizing.Volunteers are randomly assigned two or more treatments.Researchers can avoid bias by doing this.There are single- or double-blind studies.The participants don't know which treatment is being used.There is no bias on the part of the participants.
Step 14: You are a patient volunteer.
A patient volunteer is a participant in a clinical trial who has a known health problem.You may be placed in a placebo group during a trial.The effects of the drug are compared to the effects without it.The clinical trial may or may not benefit you.A healthy participant is someone who has no health issues.Some diabetes clinical trials allow healthy volunteers, while others only allow people with a form of diabetes.
Step 15: Know the risks.
There are risks associated with clinical trials.There is a chance for minor irritation, but there is also a possibility for more serious problems that require medical attention.Risks will be explained on your informed consent sheet.Any major risks will be explained by those who are running the trial.Clinical trials can take a long time.You may be required to make more medical visits, have more tests, or take more treatments.People have died or been seriously injured in clinical trials.
Step 16: Consider the benefits.
Clinical trials have many benefits.You get to try new treatments before they are available to the public.Through the duration of the trial, you have access to medical attention from the research team full of health care professionals.Helping the scientific community to produce or study something for other people and for the future is one of the indirect benefits of clinical trials.Clinical trials allow you to be active in your own health care while contributing to medical research.