Diabetes

The Diabetes Theme is managed as part of the NIHR North West Diabetes Local Research Network (NW DLRN) Network. Prof Martin Gibson is the Clinical Lead for both the Theme and for the NW DLRN.

The Diabetes Theme is very keen on collaboration and has excellent links with a number of research groups in Manchester and further afield.

Research staff work across NHS sites in Manchester to support and deliver high quality research. We have an excellent record in delivering clinical research trials for both commercial and non-commercial trials.

Within Manchester the Theme and the NW DRN are part of DORN (the Diabetes and Obesity Research Network) which is a collaboration between:

• the University of Manchester
• the University of Liverpool
• local NHS Trusts and colleagues in Liverpool and Cumbria and Lancashire.

There are known links between diabetes and obesity so collaboration between researchers is vital to ensure we provide patients with drugs and treatments that give them the best outcomes.

Diabetes facts

• There are over 150 000 people with diabetes in the Greater Manchester area and more than 300 000 across the North West of England. Manchester and the North West are the most active and successful of the regional diabetes networks for conducting commercial clinical trials.
• As the majority of potential trial participants are in the primary care environment we have developed close links with general practitioners and support over forty separate primary care sites in Manchester alone for recruitment purposes.
• In Salford, we can access FARSITE, an innovative application to support the design and recruitment of clinical trials. It allows researchers to work more easily and closely with GP Practices at the crucial stage of determining whether a study is viable. More details of about FARSITE, including a demonstration, can be seen here.
• Some 5% of the population have type 2 diabetes and we have ample evidence that they can be successfully recruited from general practice as well as hospital clinics. All general practices also have a register of patients’ BMI’s.