SHOULD I VOLUNTEER FOR A CLINICAL RESEARCH TRIAL?
The WRHA Health Sciences Centre Diabetes Research Group affiliated with the University of Manitoba is conducting clinical studies for diabetes and related diseases. This involves both clinical and basic science research of diabetes treatment, prevention and complications. Research activities concentrate primarily on testing investigation therapies for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications. This is currently a very exciting time in diabetes with the introduction of new classes of medications for treatment and ongoing work into how best to improve quality and quantity of life through prevention and treatment of complications. In addition, the Diabetes Research Group participates in grant funded National and International multi-centre trials.
SHOULD I VOLUNTEER?
Volunteering to participate in a clinical trial is one way you can contribute to the understanding of diseases that affect people and the development of new therapies. Volunteers are import to the clinical study phases in the approval process for new medications. As a volunteer, you are an important link in a long chain of research and testing in the development of new medications or new treatment strategies for a broad range of health problems.
WHAT IS A CLINICAL STUDY?
It is a carefully designed program to test the effects of a medication, medical treatment, intervention or device on a group of volunteers. They are an important step is making new treatment available. In studies involving medication, the drug’s ability to treat a condition, its safety and its possible side effects is measured.
WHO CAN BE IN A CLINICAL STUDY?
People with the condition being studied, as well as healthy people can volunteer to participate. Health Canada and the United States FDA have very strict requirements that specify which studies involve healthy volunteers and which studies involve patients with the condition being studied. Each study has specific requirements such as age, sex and medical conditions for participants. The physician conducting the study will review each volunteer’s medical history and the study requirements to determine who can participate. Known risks and discomforts will be explained by the study staff prior to participating. In addition to the known risks, there may be unknown risks such as medication side effects involved in being in a clinical study. Study procedures, risk and benefits are explained to participants during the informed consent process.
HOW DO I BECOME A STUDY VOLUNTEER?
The Diabetes Research Group is often looking for study participants. For more information on clinical studies and how to become involved:
• PLEASE CALL THE DIABETES RESEARCH GROUP 204-789-3433
**Current patients are under no obligation to participate in any trial in order to receive continuing treatment from the WRHA.**