At DDI, we are providing patient care alongside diabetes research to improve the type of care we deliver. The clinical research and clinical trials we conduct help us learn more about diabetes, its complications, and new ways to treat and manage it.
A clinical trial is a research study in which participants are assigned to new treatments, interventions or tests designed to detect, prevent, treat or manage medical conditions. Clinical trials are the main method that researchers use to find out if a new treatment, like a drug, diet or device, is safe and effective for patients. DDI is conducting several clinical trials in the field of diabetes. Participating in a clinical trial has several benefits such as having access to the most current treatments, having a dedicated team of experts providing care, and careful monitoring of treatment results. Finally, participation in research may help people with diabetes, now and in the future, both in Kuwait and around the world.
Another aspect of our research is looking at how we can improve the quality of life for people living with diabetes. To be able to help people live better with their diabetes, we strive to provide patient-centered care where we focus on the needs of each individual patient. This includes respecting the patient’s values, preferences and expressed needs, as well as involving them in their own health care plan.
For patients with caregivers (people such as family, friends, or paid professionals who provide care), they are also involved as they are a part of the patient’s life and are important in achieving patient’s desired health outcomes. Involving diabetes patients, their caregivers and the public in designing and improving diabetes services can transform people’s lives, improve their care and help generate new knowledge and understanding of their lives.
To do this, we use interviews and focus groups to understand and explore people’s beliefs and experiences relating to diabetes. For example, their experience with fasting during Ramadan and managing their diabetes can help us provide better advice and services to ensure people are able to fast in a safe manner and are satisfied with their care. To be able to conduct all this research, we encourage people to be involved in it, whether through participation or active involvement in studies.
