Networks offer new opportunities for diabetes research

The incidence of diabetes continues to rise and demands on healthcare resources continue to grow. High quality research offers a way forward for developing new treatments and care options for people with this condition. The Diabetes Research Network represents a new approach to supporting collaborative research and has been at the vanguard of encouraging patients to get involved through its advocacy workstream. Since its inception more than 200 studies involving 25,000 volunteers have been registered in the network portfolio. An essential element for success is the involvement of primary care where benefits can accrue to patients and healthcare professionals alike.