• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Medical Trials

T

twinkle1980

Well-Known Member
Messages
106
Hiya

Just wondering if anyone else has donated to or is taking part in any medical trials?

I have been given info on several, and I am in the process of deciding which - if any - I choose to join.

The first is simply a matter of donating blood samples, its a t-cell study in which the professors are investigating the environmental factors which seem to trigger type 1.

The 2nd is again blood sample related, and is looking for certain markers within your blood. If these are present then you will either be part of the control group or the "vaccine" group. The "vaccine" vaccine group would be given a jab which is hoped to prolong the honeymoon period for newly diagnosed diabetics. This would ultimatly involve fortnightly tests.

The 3rd is similar to the above, but instead of a vaccine, its an excercise programme in which the theory is that an increased activity level can help prolong the honeymoon period....again a control group and an "active" group are involved.

The 4th, isnt for me but for my children (and other family members should they wish to be involved), in which blood is taken (yearly in kids) to look for the antibodies and t-cell changes which are known to happen in people years before actual diabetes develops. Again, for the sake of a blood sample my kids are happy to donate in order for their own health to be monitored.

Anyway, these are the ones I have been told about and invited to participate in (obviously I could only take part in one of the 2nd or 3rd). Has or is anyone involved in any of these?, have they participated in any others? What are peoples thoughts about being a homan guinea pig?

thanks for any thoughts

sal x
 
I've taken part in medical research but not trials. My feelings are that it probably won't help my diabetes but hopefully it will help understanding of the condition and lead to greater understanding.

I'd rather not reveal my location or who I've done the research with but will give the information by PM.
 
Hi Sal. It's important to read the info sheets and ask any questions you have before making a decision, all participants have a right to be fully informed before consenting. Then you should see if its convenient - can you do fortnightly trips, is the vaccine trial blinded (meaning you don't know whether you take the active drug or placebo), will you be fed back any results etc. Most studies are for a specific amount of time and may have a recruitment cap. Don't feel pressured to take part in any if you don't want to.


Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
Back
Top