Frank Greene*, a carpenter and avid outdoorsman, shares his experiences as a participant in a type 2 diabetes trial with Clinical Trials Canada magazine editor Saaqshi Sharma.
*Identity has been altered to protect patient anonymity
Saaqshi Sharma: When did you first know you had diabetes? What key symptoms did you notice?
Frank Greene: Now that I think about it, I didn’t really notice any symptoms besides some fatigue. I actually didn’t get a diagnosis right away; apparently I had been living with it for a while.
Saaqshi Sharma: After the diagnosis, how did your life change?
Frank Greene: Life didn’t change too drastically, I mean I am more cautious about my diet-no more sugar in my coffee, stuff like that. I have a Polish and German background, and I also have gout so I can’t indulge in foods like liver and sausage as much. I work in the film industry and sometimes we get gourmet catering and I get tempted to try everything, or they can’t always accommodate their menus. Besides that, not much has changed, I still canoe, ski, cycle and play darts. My biggest concern would have to be amputations with uncontrolled diabetes.
Saaqshi Sharma: So you seem to have coped with your condition quite well. Why the decision to participate in a trial?
Frank Greene: I actually think they’re really cool. I’ve always been interested in clinical research, drug companies, drug patents and things like that. I am really interested in medical science, and the compensation is also a plus. I saw an ad in the paper so I gave the clinic a call.
Saaqshi Sharma: That’s a very interesting answer. So this wasn’t the first trial you’ve participated in?
Frank Greene: No. I’ve participated in some phase I trials in the past that included some overnight stays. It was a good experience, aside from helping advance medical science I got to meet some interesting people.
Saaqshi Sharma: Has this current trial benefited your medical condition at all?
Frank Greene: Oh yes, I’ve learned a lot about diabetes. I have to say I am more attentive to my health. Before I started I was only checking my blood sugars 2-3 times a month. After joining the study, not only did I get my own monitoring device, but I also check my sugars much more often. I also keep a journal of the foods and snacks I eat and any exercise. I am more conscious now.
Saaqshi Sharma: So you would participate in another trial?
Frank Greene: Yes. I’m thinking about participating in a gout trial if I can make the time.
Saaqshi Sharma: Would you recommend clinical trials for other individuals with diabetes?
Frank Greene: If you can make the time, why not? The clinic has good people. It was a very good experience for me.
Great article. I have always been interested in doing clinical trials. What are the best places to find trials to participate in?
Hi Mark, thanks for getting in touch! Your best bet is to visit http://clinicaltrials.gov/ to search for the conditions and locations of interest. You can also try reaching out to local hospitals and universities that may be conducting research. You can also visit http://clinicaltrialscanada.com/. Congratulations on taking a step forward in the progression of medical research!