@Bluetit1802 - yes, it's totally done with consent - when people sign up, they can choose to be informed about: 'Paid clinical trials'. And that is how they are connected with the trials. Similarly you can choose to find out about research, shop offers, updates, etc.
@dannyw - when it comes to passing on details to pharmaceutical companies, we do that in instances such as meter gifting. Or, if you were applying to attend an event - for example, when an insulin pump event is taking place. In regards to the 'underhand' comment, that's simply not true. We don't sell/rent any data - it is used only for the purposes of the application that was made. To receive a meter/attend an event/see if you're eligible for an insulin pump, you would need to consent to allowing the data to be passed across (i.e. I consent to...). If you don't agree, your application is never passed across.
We do not otherwise sell/lease data, nor do we intend to. That is annoying, untrustworthy and just not ethical.
When it comes to anything medical or data related, understandably emotions run high - and so they should. Articles like the Telegraph's don't help in appeasing those concerns(!). We have nothing to hide and are completely transparent.
It'd be great if articles such as the aforementioned would focus on some of the actual positives - such as the Type 2 Testing Program - through which, on average, members lose over 6kg and reduce their HbA1c by an average of 1.2%.
Or even the forum, where 70%+ of users after 6 months state their understanding of diabetes has improved - and 33% even state their average blood glucose levels have improved - the future of health in the digital landscape is about connecting and engaging. Where better to ask a diabetes-related question (or otherwise) than a community with over 1.2m years worth of cumulative experience?
Or, even still, the Hypo Awareness Program, where 73% of people who take part improve their understanding of hypos, how to treat hypos, better understand hypoglycemia/blood glucose in relation to driving and how to spot hypo symptoms.
We discussed all of the above with the reporter (and even watched her write it down), however, the reporter did not choose any of those stats, which we are incredibly proud of. *sigh*
@Robinredbreast - we were nominated for the Lloyds Bank National Business Awards for a number of campaigns, including #BloodSugarSelfie, which reached over 4 million people in 7 days, saved a life and enstilled a level of confidence amongst children who were otherwise shy/afraid of testing. The Hypo Awareness Program is also a key reason for our nomination, which is a free educational program that is having positive health benefits. We were genuinely proud to have our efforts recognised.
