Diabetes research can’t happen without the help of people living with diabetes

Scientists need your help to prevent diabetes, find new treatments, improve care, and ultimately, find a cure.

Whether it's trying a new treatment, or filling out a questionnaire, research breakthroughs can only happen with your support.  

We've answered some common questions about taking part in diabetes research - including who can get involved, the types of studies available, and what the benefits and potential risks are.

Take a look at opportunities for getting involved here. Some you can take part in from home, while others will involve visiting a research clinic. If something catches your eye, get in touch with the study team to find out more. Without you, research can't move forward. 

Filters
Region
Type of diabetes
Type of study

Gathering views on type 2 diabetes self-management support

Subtitle:
Self-management support for diabetes: Global exploration of patients and healthcare professionals' perspectives.
Institution:
James Cook University
Location:
Online
Tags:
Survey Interview
Dates:
March 2025

Researchers at James Cook University, Australia would like to recruit people living with type 2 diabetes and healthcare professionals (doctors, diabetes nurse-educators, general nurses, dietitians, psychologists, podiatrists and community health workers) over 18 to take part in a study.

Participants who complete the survey will receive a £5 coffee voucher and all interview participants will receive a £10 Amazon online gift voucher.

Understanding how proteins contribute to insulin resistance

Subtitle:
Disruption to AMPKβ1/2 in insulin resistant skeletal muscle and its signalling implications on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake.
Institution:
University of Roehampton / Coventry University
Location:
In-person
Tags:
Clinical trial Connect with researchers
Dates:
January 2025
September 2027

Researchers at The University of Roehampton & Coventry University would like to recruit people living with prediabetes (HbA1c 6- 6.4%) who are aged 18-50 to take part in an exciting new study. 

Understanding how people build healthy eating habits

Subtitle:
From Screen to Self: Evaluating a Digital Perspective Taking Tool for Health Behaviour.
Institution:
City St George's, University of London
Location:
Online
Tags:
Connect with researchers
Dates:
September 2025
August 2026

Researchers at City St Georges, University of London are inviting participants to take part in a research study exploring how people build healthy habits using an innovative psychological tool.
We are looking for people:

  • aged 18 years or older;
  • who can communicate in English;
  • with a BMI above 25;
  • who are trying to manage their weight or diet.

Participation involves a short online meeting, watching short videos, completing reflection exercises, and filling in questionnaires over 4 weeks.

Tracking Treg cell changes in type 1 diabetes

Subtitle:
Treg-sparing co-stimulation blockade: testing a novel method for monitoring an immunosuppression strategy in people with Type 1 diabetes.
Institution:
University College London
Location:
London, Cardiff
Tags:
Clinical trial
Dates:
September 2025
November 2026

Researchers at University College London are looking for people aged 18-50 who were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in the last five years to take part in a study of the immune system responsible for destruction of insulin-producing cells. They hope that this will help develop future treatments for type 1 diabetes.

The study will include administration of drugs (via small tube inserted in the vein and under the skin) and giving blood and lymph node samples (via a small needle similar to the one used for standard blood tests).

Studies for children and young people with diabetes

Subtitle:
Studies for children and young people with diabetes
Institution:
British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes
Location:
UK-wide
Tags:
Clinical trial Connect with researchers Questionnaire Interview

 

It’s really important that young people and families have opportunities to take part in research. A portfolio of studies currently underway and looking to recruit people across the UK can be found on the British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes website.

Families interested in taking part in any of the studies can contact the relevant research teams provided within the descriptions.

Capturing experiences of support for depression and type 2

Subtitle:
NHS Talking Therapies LTC Services for people with depression and type 2 diabetes
Institution:
University of Surrey
Location:
Online
Tags:
Survey
Dates:
October 2025
December 2026

Researchers at the University of Surrey are recruiting participants to take part in a research study exploring the experiences of individuals with type 2 diabetes and depression who have accessed support from NHS Talking Therapies for depression.

This study involves answering questions about your experiences of living with type 2 diabetes and depression, and your experiences of receiving treatment from NHS Talking Therapies. The anonymous survey takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.

Can pre-meal protein drinks improve blood sugar levels in type 2?

Subtitle:
GLycaemic Outcomes with Whey protein in ageING (GLOWING)
Institution:
University of Birmingham
Location:
In-person
Tags:
Connect with researchers Clinical trial
Dates:
January 2026
August 2026

Researchers at the University of Birmingham are recruiting people aged 75-90 years old and living with type 2 diabetes to see if pre-meal protein drinks can improve blood sugar levels.

Following a screening visit at the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, you will be provided with two supplements to take before your own meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at home over two 7-day periods.

Co-creating an app to support mental health of young people with type 1

Subtitle:
Co-creating an app to support mental well-being in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Concept development and design.
Institution:
University of Warwick
Location:
Online
Tags:
Survey
Dates:
July 2025
March 2026

Researchers at the University of Warwick would like to recruit people living with type 1 diabetes aged between 11-17 years old, or caregivers of young people with type 1, to take part in a study that is aiming to co-create a mobile health app to support the mental wellbeing of young people living with type 1 diabetes. 

Back to Top
Brand Icons/Telephone check - FontAwesome icons/tick icons/uk