Clinical research studies test new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease, and can offer access to cutting‑edge care while helping others. Talk with your doctor to see if a clinical research study might be right for you.
The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) prioritizes education and awareness about clinical research through targeted initiatives, community engagement, and educational programming to support research that reflects the full spectrum of individuals living with or at risk for diabetes. The ADA believes in the need for everyone to participate in clinical trials.
Clinical research studies test new medications, devices, procedures, or new ways to use existing treatments. Research follows strict safety rules and is reviewed by independent boards to be sure they are safe and ethical. These studies are how new diabetes treatments and devices are shown to be safe and effective before becoming available to the public.
Clinical research can include studies looking at the prevention or diagnosis of conditions, how they’re treated, and how treatments or devices affect the quality of life of participants. Researchers may enroll healthy volunteers or people with a specific condition, like diabetes.
Clinical research have different stages. Early small studies check safety, while larger studies test how well something works and side effects. Some studies continue after what’s being studied is approved to monitor long‑term safety. This approach is standard for medications, devices, and other treatments.
Researchers follow a written plan that explains who can join, what will happen, and how outcomes are measured. There are different types of research opportunities, and this is always explained to people in detail before they decide whether to participate.
People join clinical research studies to access new treatments, help improve care for others, and contribute to medical knowledge. Research is essential to discovering better ways to prevent, manage, and treat diabetes.
Consider a research study if you:
Always think about the potential benefits and risks and discuss them with your healthcare team.
Start with your doctor or others on your healthcare team—they know your health history and can advise whether research is a good fit for you. You can also search registries such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to find studies by condition and location.
Questions to ask your healthcare team:
Clinical research follows strict safety rules and oversight, but all research has risks. Before you decide to participate, all benefits and risks will be explained by your healthcare team in a process called “informed consent.
Some studies offer compensation for time and travel. Policies vary and would be explained to you during the informed consent process.
Yes, participants can withdraw at any time without penalty.
Start with your doctor or others on your health care team—they know your health history and can advise whether a research study is a good fit for you.
The American Diabetes Association is committed to helping people learn about clinical research in a clear, supportive, and trustworthy way. We believe everyone deserves the chance to understand how research works, what it means for their health, and how it can lead to better treatment for all communities.
To make information about clinical research more accessible, we’ve partnered with trusted community organizations to host educational sessions across the country. They created space for people to ask questions, share concerns, and learn how clinical research can support better health.
With your support, the American Diabetes Association® can continue our lifesaving work to make breakthroughs in research and provide people with the resources they need to fight diabetes.