Diabetes clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments, devices and medications for type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and many pay participants for their time. In the UK, paid diabetes studies are run by NHS research centres, universities and private clinical research units, all regulated by the MHRA. This guide explains who can take part, what you can earn, and how to find a genuine study.
Who is this guide for?
This guide is for people living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, those at risk of developing it, and healthy volunteers interested in diabetes research. It covers what diabetes trials involve, eligibility, pay, and how to apply safely.
What are diabetes clinical trials?
Diabetes clinical trials are controlled studies that test new ways to prevent, manage or treat diabetes. They may involve new medications, insulin delivery devices, continuous glucose monitors, dietary interventions, or treatments to reduce complications. Some studies recruit people who already have diabetes; others recruit healthy volunteers to test how a treatment behaves in the body.
Who can take part in a diabetes trial?
Eligibility depends on the specific study. Common criteria include:
- A confirmed diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes (for patient studies)
- Being within a certain age range
- Specific HbA1c or blood glucose levels
- Healthy volunteers with no diabetes (for some early-phase studies)
- Not taking certain other medications
Each trial has its own inclusion and exclusion criteria, set out in the participant information sheet before you consent.
How much do diabetes clinical trials pay?
Pay depends on the study, its length, and the number of visits or overnight stays. As a general UK benchmark:
- Outpatient visits: £50–£200 per visit
- Short studies: a few hundred pounds
- Longer or residential studies: £1,000–£3,000+
Some NHS or university diabetes studies cover expenses only rather than offering payment. For a full breakdown, see our guide to the best-paid clinical trials.
How do you find a diabetes clinical trial?
- Search a registered source. Use the UK’s Be Part of Research service or the WHO registry to find diabetes studies near you.
- Check with diabetes charities. Organisations such as Diabetes UK list research studies seeking participants.
- Complete the eligibility screening. You’ll answer questions about your diabetes history, medications and general health.
- Read the participant information sheet for pay, time commitment and your right to withdraw.
Are diabetes clinical trials safe?
UK diabetes trials operate under strict safeguards: every study must be authorised by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and approved by an independent research ethics committee, as the NHS explains. You are monitored by medical staff throughout and can withdraw at any time, without giving a reason. Our guide to clinical trial safety and compensation explains the protections in more depth.
Benefits and risks of joining a diabetes trial
Potential benefits include early access to new treatments, closer monitoring of your condition, and contributing to research that helps others with diabetes. Risks include possible side effects from a new treatment and the time commitment involved. The participant information sheet sets these out so you can weigh them up before consenting.
The bottom line
Diabetes clinical trials offer a way to access new treatments and, in many cases, earn compensation while contributing to research. Always use a registered source, confirm the study is MHRA-approved, never pay to take part, and read the information sheet before you consent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do diabetes clinical trials pay?
Many do. Pay varies by study, typically from £50–£200 per visit up to £3,000+ for longer studies. Some NHS and university studies cover expenses only.
Can type 2 diabetics join clinical trials?
Yes. Many diabetes trials specifically recruit people with type 2 diabetes, though each study has its own eligibility criteria.
Can you join a diabetes trial without having diabetes?
Sometimes. Some early-phase studies recruit healthy volunteers to test how a treatment behaves before it is studied in people with diabetes.
Are diabetes clinical trials safe?
Yes. They are authorised by the MHRA, approved by an ethics committee, and medically supervised throughout. You can withdraw at any time.
How do I find a diabetes trial near me?
Use the NHS Be Part of Research service, check Diabetes UK, or compare paid studies through CheckMyTrial.
Find paid clinical trials near you
CheckMyTrial helps you compare paid clinical trials across the UK by location, condition and study type. Browse current paid trials or read how clinical trials work before you apply.