Everyone can participate in clinical trials, from newly diagnosed to long-time patients. Learn more about how you can get involved and what to expect. You matter in the process of new clinical discoveries for better treatments!

💊 Clinical Trials Aren’t Just for ‘Severe’ Cases

Many people believe clinical trials are only for those with advanced diagnoses, for example, advanced diabetes, but that is simply not true. Trials invite participants from all stages of diabetes to test everything from new medications to lifestyle strategies. The diversity in participants’ clinical status ensures breakthroughs in care for everyone.

💊 You are a Partner in Research, Not a Guinea Pig

Clinical trial participants aren’t experimental animals; they are valued collaborators. Ethical standards, independent review board (IRB) oversight, and informed consent prioritize your well-being and ensure your voice shapes better treatment. 

  • Strict ethical guidelines safeguard your experience
  • Independent review boards protect your rights
  • Your feedback drives medical progress

💊 Flexible & Convenient Participation

Participating doesn’t mean living at the hospital or lab, or that you cannot back out. Many studies offer remote monitoring and short visits, making it easy to fit into your routine, even if you are busy or live far from a research site. Participants can leave a clinical trial at any time for any reason; your decision is always respected, and researchers understand that circumstances can change at any time.

💊Privacy & Placebos Explained

Privacy is protected, so your personal information stays secure. During clinical trials, researchers follow strict rules to keep your information secure and often anonymous whenever possible. Any of your personal information, including your name and medical history, is only shared with those directly involved in the study. Any shared research data won’t include information that can identify you.

Some studies use placebo products instead of real medicine. These placebos help show researchers how well the real medicine works by comparing it to the placebo. When placebos are used in research, participants are always informed of that possibility beforehand. Some studies do not follow this model instead, they provide all participants with access to the treatment or tool being studied. And if a placebo causes harm or the treatment proves to be highly effective, the study may stop early to protect participants involved.

💊 True Benefits Await You!

Beyond contributing to scientific research, clinical trial participants may gain early access to innovative therapies and receive closer medical attention. When it comes to research for diabetes, many times participants report improved glucose control and a deeper understanding of their health. If you have diabetes, start by talking to your healthcare provider about clinical trials. 

If you are interested in clinical trials, there are many trusted sites to get started. A couple resources include Antidote or our Iowa Diabetes research page to learn about current studies and how to get involved.

Summary

By shattering myths about time commitment, safety, data privacy, and eligibility, we see that participation in clinical trials is approachable and vital. Every participant contributes to smarter, safer, and more inclusive care.