Clinical research trials test the effectiveness of a new treatment or therapy on volunteer patients during a development phase before being introduced to the public.
Participating in clinical research trials is an integral part of our practice and provides Central Texans an opportunity to receive new and promising treatment and/or cutting edge technology.
Research participants do not have to be a current Texas Diabetes patient to enroll in a clinical trial and we are actively recruiting patients for obesity studies – both those with diabetes and those without diabetes.
There is no cost for participation, and the provided medications and study-related labs and exams are free. In addition, most studies will compensate patients for their time and travel.
Obesity Clinical Research
Our board-certified endocrinologists have served as principal investigators in obesity trials over the past decade to help patients with their weight loss management. Obesity is a serious condition that can lead to a variety of health problems including diabetes, heart disease or respiratory issues.
“We see research as a very important part of what we do at Texas Diabetes,” says endocrinology expert Dr. Thomas Blevins. “We are currently studying the next generation of obesity agents just as we studied the GLP-1 agonists that are available today.”
Dr. Blevins recently served as a co-author for a published study on a promising innovative obesity agent called Oforglipron.
“We are now offering a new obesity trial for an investigational drug that is being developed as a chronic weight management treatment,” explains Dr. Blevins. “To qualify for this study, participants must be living with obesity and have at least one weight-related health issue other than type 2 diabetes.”
Anyone interested in learning more about this study can contact our research department to learn more.
Patient Success with TD&E Research Trials
One TD&E patient who has participated in obesity clinical research is 61-year-old Carla. Three years ago, she was prediabetic and wanted help managing her weight, so she opted to participate in a three-year study that involved weekly shots, counting calories, and working with a TD&E study coordinator and registered dietician to help her reach her goals.
She completed the clinical research trial in December 2023 with the following positive results:
- Shedding 130 pounds
- Losing her prediabetic status
- Eliminating her blood pressure medicine
TD&E applauds Carla for her diligent efforts to tackle weight loss while contributing to the greater advancement of medicine and science!
She encourages other patients looking for additional ways to improve their condition to take the first step by contacting TD&E to see what clinical research trials are available.
“The Texas Diabetes research team was my greatest cheerleader,” shares Carla. “Someone was always available to help keep track of my health and advise me every step of the way.”
To those who sign up for clinical studies, Dr. Blevins thanks them and says, “we are indebted to the patients who volunteer to take part in our research trials at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology.”
Clinical Research Opportunities at TD&E
You can learn more about our research department and currently enrolling clinical trials here. Please feel free to contact us at (512) 334-3505, option 4, to speak to a research coordinator about our enrolling studies.
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