People with diabetes, researchers and healthcare professionals are being called upon to join clinical groups in a bid to identify key research areas.
The Clinical Studies Groups (CSG), launched by charity Diabetes UK, have been developed to create a “roadmap for new research by identifying priority areas and the key clinical studies needed to move care forward”.
By bringing together people with specific interests in different areas of the condition, the aim is to find research gaps and priorities that need to be addressed in diabetes healthcare and research.
Dr Elizabeth Robertson director of research at Diabetes UK, said: “This is a really important moment in diabetes research and a world first for the community. We believe that bringing together the brightest and best – including those at the front line of both treating and living with diabetes – will help us find the gaps in diabetes research that we need to address. If we work together, we can make sure research moves faster to improve the lives of people with diabetes.”
Lis Warre, who has type 1 diabetes, has been recruited to join the CSG. Speaking to The Diabetes Times, she said: “I’m very excited to have this opportunity to look at what more needs to be done to help patients achieve improved management of their diabetes. I have taken part in lots of trials and am aware that many people are not routinely made aware of the trials that exist.
“Taking part in research studies supports learning, provides motivation to take care of your diabetes, plus it’s often good fun because you meet other people and get great clinical and peer support.”
There are currently seven groups, which cover the following areas:
Causes of diabetes
Preventio, targets and therapies for type 1 diabetes
Preventio, targets and therapies for type 2 diabetes
Acute care
Long-term self-management/glycemic control
Macrovascular and microvascular complications
NIHR CRN: children/BSPED diabetes and endocrinology
