If you live with diabetes (or care for someone with diabetes), you’ve probably wondered: “Why is this device designed this way?” or “If researchers could see what real life is like, they would understand.”
That’s exactly why the Diabetes Research Committee exists.
Research panels (sometimes called registries or research communities) are a way for you to raise your hand and say, “I’d be happy to be contacted about research that might be right for me.”
Research can be as quick as a short survey or as complex as interviews, focus groups, or at-home product testing. Participation is voluntary and you may decline any invitation.
Below are three popular options. T1D Replacement, Rare Patient Voices, and Thrivingalong with what each one is, how it can help the diabetes community, and what you personally will gain by participating.
Why register with the Diabetes Research Committee in the first place?
Because research doesn’t just take place in the lab, it takes place in the field (or should In the real world, at work, on the way to and from school, on trips, during alarm nights, and in the daily trade-offs between food, insulin, necessities, costs, and burnout.
When people with diabetes participate in research, they can:
- Improve devices, apps, and education to match real-world needs
- Gaps in care and access that are not visible in clinical charts have surfaced
- Accelerate the development of treatments and better treatment standards
- Generate evidence that can influence coverage and policy decisions
what is it
of T1D Exchange Registry is a long-term (longitudinal) study that aimed to understand the experiences and challenges of people affected by type 1 diabetes.
It’s open Adults with T1D and Caregivers of children with T1D Residents of the United States, we connect participants to selected research opportunities through our dashboard.
How it helps people with diabetes
By collecting ongoing information (such as annual surveys and optional opportunities), registries help build a richer picture of what living with T1D is like over the long term and support research into management, outcomes, and quality of life.
It also helps researchers find eligible participants faster, accelerating research that matters to the community.
What you get when you sign up and join
- how to let your voice be heard Contribute to research that can improve T1D care and policy
- Research Opportunities Dashboard You can opt-in (surveys or face-to-face surveys may be available depending on eligibility)
- Options to participate beyond surveys, such as sharing device data (such as CGM data) and participating in Internet-based surveys –if you choose
Sign up for the T1D Exchange Registry
what is it
Unusual patient testimonials We connect patients and caregivers with research opportunities (interviews, surveys, online communities) and enable researchers to build healthcare products and services that reflect patient needs.
Despite the name, RPV explicitly accepts. Not uncommon diagnosis This includes recruitment focused on diabetes.
How it helps people with diabetes
RPV makes it easier for researchers to hear directly from people living with diabetes and their caregivers, especially about everyday realities that are often overlooked in traditional research. That feedback can influence what we build, how we design it, and what support we prioritize.
What you get when you sign up and join
- paid opportunities: RPV states that participants earn regular income $120/hour for research
- Various formats: interviews, surveys, online communities
- Flexibility: You may not hear anything for a while, or multiple invitations may arrive nearby. Participation will depend on the needs of the research and your suitability.
- Practical notes: If you earn $600 or more in a calendar yearbe aware of IRS reporting requirements (Form 1099).
Register for Rare Patient Voice
what is it
possible to prosper is a diabetes research community where members can be invited to participate in paid research activities, ranging from short online surveys to virtual focus groups, interviews, and even in-person or at-home product testing of new diabetes products.
How it helps people with diabetes
Thrivable’s model provides a real-world user experience for teams designing diabetes products and services. This means improved usability and potentially fewer “why do we do it this way?” questions. Design choices and more practical solutions useful in everyday life.
What you get by signing up and participating
- Rewards: Thrivable says you can earn money. Up to $75/hour online activities, Up to $2,000 or more per study Certain in-person/at-home product testing opportunities
- Clear expectations: Participation is voluntary and many studies state that they are non-intrusive.
- You will usually know the compensation before you agree to participate. Depending on the study, incentives may be points or gift cards.
Sign up for Thrivable
Tips for making your research panel work (without burning out)
- Participate in multiple panels. More panels = more likely to match you with studies that match your diagnosis, skills, age, location, and lived experience.
- Keep your profile updated. Eligibility is often determined by details such as device usage, insulin delivery method, and demographics. (Even small changes can be important.)
- Invitations are treated as optional, not obligatory. You can ignore, refuse, or cancel it at any time.
- Let’s protect our energy. Choose research that you think is valuable, whether it’s impact, compensation, convenience, or all three.
Diabetes research is more effective when it focuses on people living with diabetes.
Register on a panel like T1D exchange, Unusual patient testimonialsand possible to prosper This is one of the easiest ways to turn everyday knowledge into measurable impact, and often results in rewards, a sense of purpose, and the satisfaction of shaping what comes next.
If you know of other research panels or opportunities, please share them in the comments so we can add them to this list.
