Research studies

The Leicester Diabetes Centre (LDC) is now the largest clinical research centre for diabetes in the UK. It is recognised globally for its empirical research and clinical trials as well as its work in ethnic health, real-world evidence and 24-hour physical behaviours.

We play a vital role in bridging the gap between experimental medicine and real-world practice, ensuring that research leads to meaningful improvements in patient care.

Our research spans a broad range of areas, including early detection, prevention, structured education, lifestyle medicine, and innovative therapies. We also focus on teaching and training for both people living with diabetes and healthcare professionals. The outcomes of our work have influenced local NHS policies, shaped Department of Health initiatives, and contributed to NICE guidance.

Below is a selection of our research projects. If you're interested in getting involved, please click the Get Involved button or contact our friendly research teams directly.

Get involved

A man is walking on an anti-gravity treadmill in a clinical setting, assisted by a male physiotherapist wearing gloves. A woman is taking notes nearby.

Research studies

Actively recruiting volunteers:

Featured

OPAL

The study will investigate whether newer generations of weight loss therapies and equivalent dietary-induced weight loss can be used to improve overall physical function.

CLAIMT2D

Assessing the impact of hybrid closed loop automated insulin therapy in the management of early onset type 2 diabetes

ASSIIST

Assessing the Impact of InPenTM Smart MDI System in Type 2 Diabetes

Step up 2 Sleep

An efficacy study exploring the optimisation of sleep and the reduction of sedentary behaviour in those living with type 2 diabetes mellitus

HEAL-D

Healthy Eating & Active Lifestyles for Diabetes in African and Caribbean communities.

MiFoot

A Multifactorial Intervention to Improve Cardiovascular Outcomes in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes and Current or Previous Diabetes-related Foot Ulcers.

MMQ

Multi-Morbidity and self-reported treatment burden Questionnaire: information from secondary care in a cardio-renal-metabolic, COVID-19 setting

PERSONAL AGILITY

We will use the information gathered in this study to design and test an intervention which aims to improve the health and well-being of people with multiple long-term health conditions, and those who care for them, equally.

CODEC

Research into whether a morning or an evening type of person can affect diabetes

The COMBINE Trial

The aim of this trial is to see whether combining structured exercise and a high protein, low energy diet can minimise muscle loss while attempting to reverse diabetes in South Asian adults.

In follow up (no longer looking for volunteers):

Featured

PHOSP-COVID

The study will investigate the effects of long-COVID

RESET 4 Remission

Investigating whether the combination of a low energy diet in conjunction with structured exercise training can lead to remission in young adults with Type 2 Diabetes.

FOOTSAK

Footwear Self-Assessment Kit for people with diabetes at risk of ulceration

FOOTWEAR FIT

Evaluation of Footwear Fit Guidelines Under Pressure in At-Risk Feet

The impact of a holistic multifactorial management intervention in adults with early-onset type 2 diabetes.

CREATE

NIHR Global Health Research Group on collaborative care for cardiometabolic disease in Africa.

CARLOTA

The impact of a fat-rich preload before a carbohydrate-rich meal on glucose homeostasis in patients without diabetes after sleeve gastrectomy: A proof-of-concept, randomised, open-label, crossover study.

ADDITION

The Anglo-Danish-Dutch Study of Intensive Treatment In People with Screen Detected Diabetes in Primary Care (ADDITION study).

SALT

The effect of increased sodium intake with a carbohydrate-rich meal on glucose homeostasis in subjects without diabetes after bariatric surgery.

BariEX

The effect of acute aerobic exercise on the time spent in hypoglycaemia after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

D-MED

De-intensifying Medications

CONTROL

The effect of Canagliflozin 300mg in subjects without diabetes after bariatric surgery, on glucose homeostasis: A randomised cross-over study.

DETA

Impact of exercise training in combination with dapagliflozin on physical function in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

SURPASS-CVOT

Research into new drug (tirzepatide) for type 2 diabetes and heart disease, compared to dulaglutide.

SURPASS-2

Comparing Tirzepatide versus Semaglutide add-on therapy to Metformin in people with Type 2 diabetes

STRIVE

Effectiveness and cost of integrating a protocol with use of Liraglutide into an obesity service

The 3R Study (Ready to Reduce Risk)

A trial to investigate the effect of structured education on people at high risk of cardiovascular disease

MAP Study

Movement through Active Personalised engagement

Embedding Study

Increase accessibility to diabetes structured education for patients

PACES

Physical activity after cardiac events

PRE-STARt

BABYSTEPS

Structured education for women with a history of gestational diabetes

Sleep Measurement Study

Validation of a sleep algorithm that can be applied to different accelerometer brands against Polysomnography

UP FOR 5

The UP FOR 5 study aims to investigate whether replacing sitting time with regular movement throughout the day improves health markers.

Plant Your Health

A clinical trial to investigate the effects of an 8-week vegan diet on Type 2 Diabetes

Snacktivity

There is strong evidence that physical inactivity and high levels of sitting are associated with poorer health and mortality. This study will investigate small, frequent doses of moderate-vigorous exercise.

upSTANDing GP

A survey for GPs to learn their thoughts on standing during the work day.

SIT and be FIT

The study is looking for individuals aged 18 years and older who are currently receiving, or have received in the previous twelve months treatment for a diabetic foot ulcer.

RESET Study

Investigating whether a specialist exercise program can improve physical function in people with type 2 diabetes and low fitness.

Can Do Ramadan