Diabetes Research Networking

This website has hopefully given you an idea of the many exciting and varied research projects that people can get involved with. If you would like to be involved in research there are many opportunities to do so.

• If you would like to participate in a research project and have your routine diabetes care at your local GP surgery then in the first instance you should speak to your family doctor (GP) or practice nurse who may be able to help, however, not all surgeries take part in research in which case they may be able to direct you to your local specialist diabetes centre.
• If you have routine diabetes care in a hospital setting then please ask the Specialist Diabetes Nurse or doctor about the possibility of joining a research programme.
• If you still cannot find any one who can help you then please contact the Diabetes Research Network who can put you in touch with your nearest research network centre. You can find the contact details on the Diabetes Research Network website.
• If you don't have diabetes but would like to help in a research project you could contact your GP surgery and ask if they can put you in touch with the nearest research centre. Alternatively please contact the Diabetes Research Network who will be able to help.

Please bear in mind that each research project is looking for particular type of people to be involved and it may be that when you first speak to someone they will not have a project for which you are suitable. Please don't be disappointed. If you wish you can ask them to keep your details so that they can approach you at a later date.

There are also a number of other ways in which you may be able to help with research. For example, by participating in information-gathering programmes, answering an occasional questionnaire or survey or by becoming a Patient Advocate, putting forward a perspective from the point of view of the patient. Many research centres try to involve patients in committees and decision-making and, as a patient advocate you can help direct and formulate research decisions. If you are interested in this type of involvement please contact your local specialist diabetes centre or go to the Diabetes Research Network website for more information.