CompletedNot ApplicableInterventional

Blood glucose performance test

Living with diabetes often means checking your blood sugar levels regularly, especially if you take insulin. To stay safe and manage your health, you need home testing kits to be as accurate as possible. This study aims to ensure that standard, commercially available blood glucose monitors give dependable results. People aged 16 and over with diabetes can take part. If you decide to join, you will attend a single clinic visit lasting around 5 to 20 minutes at Ipswich Hospital. A healthcare professional will take a small blood sample using a finger-prick or standard needle. Your sample is tested on a home monitor and compared against advanced laboratory analysers. Taking part will not change your daily diabetes care, but it helps make sure home testing equipment remains safe and accurate for everyone who relies on it.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Phase

Not Applicable

Sponsor

Abbott Diabetes Care Ltd (UK)

Enrolment target

Start

29 Oct 2014

Estimated completion

31 Oct 2024

Diabetes

What is this study about?

Managing diabetes relies heavily on knowing your blood sugar levels throughout the day. Many people use small home meters and test strips to decide how much food to eat, when to exercise, or how much insulin to inject. Because treatment decisions depend on these numbers, it is vital that home testing kits give accurate, trustworthy readings every time.

This study looks closely at standard blood glucose meters that are already approved and available in the UK. Researchers want to verify how well these everyday devices perform compared to specialised, laboratory-grade machines. By running tests side-by-side, the team can confirm whether the monitors meet high quality standards.

The trial is based at The Diabetes Centre at Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust. While taking part will not change your personal treatment plan, your contribution provides vital data. This helps manufacturers and the NHS ensure that people living with diabetes have access to reliable tools to manage their condition safely.

Key takeaways

Checks the accuracy of everyday blood glucose meters against laboratory machines.
Open to people aged 16 and over with diabetes.
Requires just one short clinic visit lasting roughly 5 to 20 minutes.
Involves giving a single small blood sample via a finger-prick or arm vein.
Does not involve any new medicines or changes to your regular diabetes care.

Who may be eligible?

You may be able to join this study if you are 16 years of age or older and have been diagnosed with any type of diabetes. You must also be comfortable with giving a small blood sample and able to give your informed consent.

You cannot take part if you are under 16, or if you feel unable or prefer not to have a blood sample collected. Because this is a simple check of testing equipment, most adults living with diabetes who attend the clinic are likely to be eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am 16 years old or older.
I have been diagnosed with diabetes.
I am willing to provide a small blood sample via finger-prick or vein.
I can understand the study details and give informed consent.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part is designed to be quick and straightforward. You will attend a single outpatient visit at the diabetes clinic, which usually takes between 5 and 20 minutes. During your visit, a trained healthcare professional will collect a small blood sample, either using a quick finger-prick or a routine needle in your arm. Your sample will then be tested on a standard blood glucose meter as well as lab-grade analysers. There are no new medicines to take, no lifestyle changes required, and no long-term follow-up visits. Once your sample is collected, your participation in the study is complete, and you can continue with your normal daily routine.

Potential risks and benefits

There is no direct medical benefit to taking part, although you will be helping to ensure home glucose meters remain safe and reliable for everyone with diabetes. The risks are very low and are the same as any routine blood test or finger-prick check. You might feel a brief sting, and there is a small chance of minor bruising, faintness, or a tiny skin infection where the needle enters. Joining is entirely your choice. You have the right to withdraw at any point without giving a reason, and your regular NHS medical care will not be affected in any way.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

The Diabetes Centre
City only
Ipswich, England

Common questions

Will I need to take any new medication?

No. This study only tests blood glucose meters. You will not receive any experimental drugs or changes to your current medication.

How long does the study visit take?

The visit is very brief, typically lasting between 5 and 20 minutes.

How is the blood sample taken?

The sample is taken either with a simple finger-prick (like a standard home test) or a small needle in a vein in your arm.

Will taking part change my normal diabetes care?

Not at all. Your daily treatment and standard NHS care remain exactly the same.

Where does the study take place?

The study is hosted at The Diabetes Centre at Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust in the UK.

How to find out more

Gerry Rayman

Gerry.Rayman@ipswichhospital.nhs.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.