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   Clinical Research Resource:
Welcome to the Joslin Research Website         
 

  
Clinical Research Section
 
Clinical Research Resources:
Joslin Clinical Research Center
Clinical Trials Unit
Research Volunteer Opportunities
   For Volunteers with Type 1
   For Volunteers with Type 2
   For Volunteers with Type 1 or 2
   For Volunteers at risk for Type 2
   For Volunteers without Diabetes
Links for Researchers
Committee on Human Studies (CHS)
All Clinical Research Forms
   Listed Alphabetically
Summer Student Program:
Summer Student Research Program
 
Principal Investigators of
Clinical Research Projects
& Clinical Trial Projects:
A.  Enrique Caballero, MD
Om P. Ganda, MD
Allison B. Goldfine, MD
Gregory Goodwin, MD
Osama  Hamdy, MD
Edward S Horton, MD
William  Hsu, MD
Richard A Jackson, MD
C. Ronald Kahn, MD
George L King, MD
Lori MB Laffel, MD, MPH
Tihamer  Orban, M.D.
Steven E Shoelson, MD, PhD
Katie  Weinger, EdD, RN
Mark E Williams, MD
John  Zrebiec, M.S.W., C.D.E.
 
 
 
 
 
Research Volunteer Opportunities
Research volunteers at Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston have a critical role in helping to advance the treatment and understanding of diabetes and its complications. The participation of research study volunteers at Joslin has been instrumental in providing greater excellence in the care of others with diabetes.

Our researchers recruit patients to learn more about the nature of diabetes and related metabolic disorders. There are also “clinical trials,” — studies in which patients are sought to test the effectiveness of new drugs, devices or other treatments that may then be approved for general use.

Individuals participating in any research study must meet certain study requirements depending on the study and be willing to sign an informed consent. Informed consent is defined as voluntary consent given by the person (or responsible proxy) to participate in the study after being informed of the methods, procedures and risks and benefits that will result by participating. Consent must be given freely and without undue influence. Participants have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without losing any of the benefits that are due as a Joslin patient.

Many research opportunities are ongoing at Joslin in Boston. A sample of these studies is listed here. If you are interested in learning more about any study, please contact the person listed with the study.

Studies for People with Type 1 Diabetes (insulin-dependent or IDDM)


GAD Injections in Recent-Onset Type 1 Diabetes This study is looking to see if three injections of a protein called GAD will help people with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes continue to make some of their own insulin. In this study, the investigators are looking at the progression of diabetes in people who receive GAD injections compared to those who get placebo injections (injections that look the same but have no GAD). The study involves 13 visits over 2 years and follow-up visits every 6 months for an additional 2 years. Recruiting: Age 16-45*, diagnosed within 3 months prior to the first injection. *After initial safety review, the study will expand to include ages 10-45, then 3-45. Contact Debbie Conboy, RN, BSN, CDE at 617-732-2647 email Debbie.Conboy@Joslin.Harvard.edu or Heyam Jalahej, MD at 617-732-2524 or email Heyam.Jalahej@Joslin.Harvard.edu (CHS#:09-12)

Seeking Participants Aged 16-30 with Type I diabetes for a Research Study on Friendships Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and the Massachusetts Mental Health Center seek participants for a research study on friendships. Help us understand whether peer relationships are linked with good psychological health and quality of life. You may qualify if you: have been diagnosed with Type I diabetes in the past 5 years, are between 16-30 years old, can understand English. Participants will be asked to take part in a one-time session of about 2 hours. This meeting will consist of interviews and questionnaires about mental and physical health, social relationships, and feelings of enjoyment or satisfaction in different areas of life. We will also ask you to take two short, standard psychological tests that look at how you think and pay attention. Eligible participants may receive monetary compensation for their time. Please contact Jude Leung, M.A. by phone at 617-516-5121 or by email at yleung@bidmc.harvard.edu for more information.


Studies for Either Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes


Are you type 1 or type 2 diabetic and diagnosed with Gastroparesis? Beth Israel Medical Center is currently looking for qualified participants for a study evaluating an investigational medication in the treatment of gastroparesis due to diabetes mellitus. You may qualify if you are, male or female, 18-80 years of age and have experienced these symptoms for at least three (3) months: Nausea, Bloating, Loss of appetite, Stomach discomfort, Excessive stomach fullness, Feel full fast after eating a normal sized meal. All study-related care is provided at no charge to those who participate, including physical exams, lab tests, and study medication Reimbursement for time and travel will be provided. To learn more about this study, please contact: Norma Sanchez, MA, CCRC 617-667-0682 or email at nsanche2@bidmc.harvard.edu


Studies for People with Type 2 Diabetes (non-insulin dependent or NIDDM)


Do you have type 2 diabetes and kidney disease?
We are seeking non-smoker, 18-70 years old volunteers who have type 2 diabetes with kidney disease using blood pressure medication, but are not on dialysis to join a research study at the Joslin Diabetes Center to evaluate the effect of vitamin D on blood vessel function and inflammation. This study will include taking FDA approved vitamin D (also known as Paricalcitol or Zemplar) or placebo for 12 weeks, 4 visits with blood draws, ultrasounds of the blood vessels of the arm. Monetary compensation and parking voucher. For information, call Muhammad Bajwa at 617-309-2699 ext 4791 or email muhamamd.bajwa@joslin.harvard.edu

Are you having gastric bypass surgery? Do you have type 2 diabetes? We are looking for clinical research volunteers who are going to have a gastric bypass surgery for weight loss at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and who have type 2 diabetes. We are conducting a study on how gastric bypass weight loss surgery helps to improve blood sugars in those with type 2 diabetes. The study involves 3 visits before your surgery, and 2 visits afterwards. The first visit will be at either Brigham and Women’s Hospital or Joslin Diabetes Center, and all the visits after that will be at Joslin Diabetes Center. During these visits we will study how your body responds to sugar and the hormone insulin. We are looking for people 21 to 60 years of age. You will be compensated for your time. Please contact us if you would be willing to participate in this important research study. For more information, contact Megan Skow at 617-264-2731 or email megan.skow@joslin.harvard.edu

Do you have type 2 diabetes and are ready to stop struggling with your weight? Would you consider weight loss surgery OR be willing to participate in an intensive lifestyle program? Clinical Research Volunteers with type 2 diabetes and excess weight, between 21-60 years of age, are needed for a study to compare bariatric (weight loss) surgery to a program of intensive medical (non-surgical) diabetes and weight management. The study involves either surgery at the Brigham nad Women's Hospital or an intensive medical management program with weekly visits for group education and support over 3 months, at the Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston. Both groups are followed over one year. For more information, contact Kerri Clancy at 617-525-7388 or email at BWHSLIMMT2D@Partners.Org

TINSAL-T2D-Seeking volunteers ages 18-75 with type 2 diabetes using oral medication or diet and exercise, who are not well controlled, for a research study that is looking to see the effect on blood sugar control of an investigational medication. The study medication has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat arthritis but it has not been approved for diabetes. Study involves 12 visits to Boston's Joslin Diabetes Center over approximately 1 year. Eligible participants will take either the investigational medication or placebo (pill with no active medication). Compensation available. Contact Kathy Foster at (617) 735-1940, or by e-mail at Kathleen.Foster@Joslin.Harvard.edu (CHS#06-20)

The RED Study (Reinforcing Education on Diabetes): This study is looking at different educational programs to see which programs are more helpful. Participants will receive education from a diabetes educator at no cost, lab tests to determine blood glucose control, compensation for study visits, and 3 hours of parking at Joslin for each study-related visit. In addition to the education, participants will come to Joslin 4-5 times over the course of a year to meet with study staff and assess progress in diabetes management. You may be eligible if you have type 2 diabetes, are between the ages of 1B and 75, have received diabetes education in the past, have an HbAlc level greater than 7.0%, and have no major complications. Please contact Brittney at 617-732-2403. (CHS#08-07)

Are you suffering from Diabetes Mellitus? You may qualify to participate in a research study on nerve damage (neuropathy) caused by type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study is performed at the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Pain Medicine. The study involves an interview and a physical examination. We will also take a blood sample and a small skin biopsy. The estimated time required is 2.5 hours. Financial compensation will be provided. For more information, call 617-726-8810.


Studies for People Either With or Without Diabetes


TINSAL-CVD Seeking volunteers, ages 21-70 who have heart disease and are overweight for a research study that is comparing standard care for heart disease with either individualized exercise and weight-loss program or an investigational medication. The study medication has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat arthritis but has not been approved for heart disease. Study involves 10-11 visits to Boston's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center or Joslin Diabetes Center over about 32 months. Eligible participants will either get lifestyle education and nutritional/medical supplements or take the investigational medication or placebo (pill with no active medication). Compensation available. Call: 1-617-264-2727 or 1-866-622-3884 toll free or email:TINSAL-CVD@joslin.harvard.edu(CHS#06-13)


Studies for People Without Diabetes


Gastric Bypass Study- Are you feeling well after your gastric bypass surgery 2-5 years ago and between the ages of 30 and 60? Researchers at the Joslin Diabetes Center are seeking volunteers to participate in a research study to investigate people who have successfully lost weight after gastric bypass surgery. Study involves two, 6-hour visits to the Boston Joslin Diabetes Center. Free Parking. Monetary compensation. For information, contact Megan Skow at 617-264-2731 or email at Megan.Skow@Joslin.Harvard.edu(CHS # 91-04)

Type 1 Diabetes Risk Assessment – The Natural History Study - TrialNet at Joslin is working to identify children and adults at risk of developing type 1 Diabetes. The purpose of this study is to test for diabetes related antibodies in relatives of people with type 1 Diabetes since those individuals have a higher risk of developing type 1 Diabetes. Parents, children brothers and sisters, ages 1 to 45, and cousins, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, ages 1 to 20, can be tested at no cost. Individuals who test positive will be eligible for further testing and may be eligible to participate in planned prevention trials. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Heyam Jalahej, M.D.; at 617-732-2524 or email at Heyam.Jalahej@Joslin.Harvard.edu (CHS#03-33)