We want to give you a seat at the table, to make sure research is done in partnership between people affected by diabetes and scientists.
That’s why we want to hear from you on the biggest issues you face and the areas where you want more research to happen. We’ll make sure scientists listen and use your views to decide what they’ll focus on next.
How to get involved
We’re always keen to hear about your experiences and opinions. You can contact the Diabetes UK Research Team at drsgs@diabetes.org.uk and tell us what you most want to see from research.
At certain times each year we ask people living with, at risk of, or connected to diabetes to apply to join our voluntary research involvement groups. We’ll update this page when recruitment is open.
These groups make sure people affected by diabetes are powering and shaping every stage of our research.
Grants Advisory Panel
Our Grants Advisory Panel (GAP) gives you the opportunity to review the research applications we receive from scientists and help decide which projects we fund.
Science and Research Advisory Group
Our Science and Research Advisory Group (SRAG) allows you to make recommendations to the Board of Trustees on areas in which the charity should focus its research effort and ensure that we are delivering on goals set out in our research strategy.
Diabetes Research Steering Groups
Our Diabetes Research Steering Groups (DRSGs) bring together people affected by diabetes with researchers and, healthcare professionals to pinpoint precisely where more research needs to happen, so we can make the greatest possible difference to the lives of people with diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes panel
Our Type 1 diabetes panel involves you in the work of the Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge. This game-changing partnership between Diabetes UK, JDRF and the Steve Morgan Foundation is investing £50 million into research that will fast-track progress towards new treatments and a cure for type 1 diabetes. You’ll advise us on our communications and steer our work to best meet the needs of people living with or at risk of type 1 diabetes.
Why make your voice heard
You could get a say in where research funding is spent.
You can use your expert experience of diabetes to make sure research addresses the issues that matter most to people living with the condition.
You could help to improve the quality and likely success of research by advising scientists on the design of their studies.
“For me it’s very emotional to be part of the process of making sure researchers and policymakers are really hearing what people affected by diabetes are facing. It’s about being part of a conversation and making sure that researchers actually hear what’s happening on the ground level and the experiences of friends, family and the wider community.”
Your voice shaping research
Involving people affected by diabetes in our research and listening to their experiences and concerns has already influenced our research work and led us to do more in vital areas, including:
Tackling diabetes stigma
Developing new approaches to putting type 2 diabetes into remission
Understanding how to help people age well with their diabetes
Improving care for people with diabetes and eating disorders
Preventing diabetes distress and mental health issues
Preventing and treating early-onset type 2 diabetes
Fast-tracking new treatments and cures for type 1 diabetes
Slowing progression of diabetes complications
Addressing unfair gaps in children and young people’s access to diabetes tech
Preventing sight loss.
