Benefits of Clinical Research
Is participating in a study right for you?
Participating in research may have more value than you expect. During a clinical research study a condition or disease, such as diabetes, is looked at closely and more often than in an average medical visit. Monitoring supplies, medication, and lab work are generally provided at no charge. The benefit we hear the most excitement about from patients is that they get to contribute to advancing new medications and help them become generally available for others. This is even more powerful when those others are their family and future generations of their family whose genetics predispose them to similar diseases.
Patients tell us that they actually enjoy their time in a study. From our in-house coffee shop to our team that is passionate about serving our guests, our goal is to create a great experience. Plus, our guests are concentrating on their health more during a study and the doctor-supported focus helps them better manage their disease.
At Lucas Research, we have Study Coordinators in our office specifically dedicated to our clinical research department. They are the dedicated partners for our participants as they walk through the stages of a clinical study. They are trained to take care of your needs and answer any questions.
Did you know? All volunteers are assigned a specific person and phone number in our office to contact with questions.
Enrolled study participants are also supported with a MasterCard branded debit card. Reimbursement for time and travel is credited to the debit card after most study-related visits.
If you are ready to take the next steps to see if you can participate in clinical research, fill out our questionnaire to get started.
Personal Care
Study Coordinators are dedicated to our research patients. They are committed to caring for the needs of our patients and answering any questions they may have.
Support
Once a participant is enrolled in a study they will receive a MasterCard branded debit card. Reimbursement for time and travel are credited to the debit card after most study related visits.
Ongoing Investment
Participants may not always know what medication they are taking, but they certainly know if they feel better on it and if their underlying disease has improved.
I was surprised by how easy the process was from the beginning to the end. The team at Lucas took care of everything.
Ed, Morehead City
Not everyone will qualify for a study on their first visit. We will make every effort to qualify you for a study. Sometimes we will even see you for several visits free of charge until the right study comes along for you. Once you do qualify for a study you will start to be compensated for time and travel as well as receive the medications and lab work for free too.
Learn More
Learn more from Dr. Lucas and the medical team.
Answering Your Questions About Diabetes
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What is diabetes?According to the CDC, diabetes is a condition in which the body does not properly process food for use as energy. The majority of what we eat is turned into glucose (sugar) for our bodies to use for energy. Insulin, a hormone that comes from the pancreas, is what your body’s cells use to help glucose be absorbed for use. Diabetes is when your body does not produce enough insulin, or cannot use the insulin as well as it should. This can result in chronically elevated blood sugar levels if not treated properly.
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What are the symptoms of diabetes?Symptoms of diabetes include: Urinating frequently Unusual thirst Increased feelings of hunger – even though you are eating Slow to health wounds Weight loss Fatigue Blurry vision Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands and feet Source: American Diabetes Association
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How is diabetes diagnosed?Diagnosing diabetes can be done in several ways. Testing should always be carried out in a healthcare setting. There are four primary methods used to diagnose diabetes: A1C – measures average blood glucose over the past 2 to 3 months. Diabetes is diagnosed at an A1C of greater than or equal to 6.5%. Fasting Plasma Glucose – checks your fasting blood glucose levels. Diabetes is diagnosed at values greater than or equal to 126 mg/dl. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test – 2-hour test that checks blood glucose levels before and after consuming a special sugary drink. Diabetes is diagnosed at 2-hour blood glucose greater than or equal to 200 mg/dl. Random Plasma Glucose Test – blood check at any time of day, given when extreme diabetes symptoms present. Diabetes is diagnosed at blood glucose greater than or equal to 200 mg/dl. Source: American Diabetes Association
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What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?Type 1 Diabetes (Insulin-Dependent): Commonly referred to as “juvenile” diabetes, because it usually develops in children and teenagers. The body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells of its pancreas, decreasing the overall amount of insulin available to the body. Type 2 Diabetes (Non-Insulin Dependent): Also called “adult-onset” diabetes, since it typically develops after the age of 35. However, due to increased rates of obesity more diagnoses are occurring in younger people. People with Type 2 are capable of producing insulin, but it is not able to be used as well by the body. Source: Diabetes Research Institute Foundation
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What is prediabetes?Blood glucose levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Sometimes referred to as impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose. There are no obvious symptoms for prediabetes, and it is often discovered during routine health checks or diabetes screenings. Source: American Diabetes Association
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What is the treatment for diabetes?Treatment typically involves diet control, exercise, in home glucose testing and for some medication and insulin. Source: CDC
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How is the specific treatment for diabetes determined?Depending on if you have been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, your treatment options will differ. It is important to work with a physician to determine the best treatment options for you. Your treatment plan may include: Personalized diet plan Insulin or other medications Exercise regime For a more detailed look at personalized treatment options for diabetes, check out our blog: A Diabetes Care Plan for You.
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Is it possible to reverse diabetes?There is currently no cure for diabetes. However, through positive lifestyle choices and under proper care from your physician, diabetes can be managed, allowing you to live a normal life.
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What are some risk factors for developing diabetes?Several risk factors are associated with developing type 2 diabetes: Family history Overweight/obese Poor diet Lack of physical activity or exercise Age High blood pressure Ethnicity History of gestational diabetes Source: International Diabetes Federation
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How are obesity and overweight classifications defined?According to the CDC Defining Adult Overweight and Obesity is as follows: If your BMI is less than 18.5, it falls within the underweight range. If your BMI is 18.5 to <25, it falls within the normal. If your BMI is 25.0 to <30, it falls within the overweight range. If your BMI is 30.0 or higher, it falls within the obese range. A BMI above 30 can be divided into further classes of obesity: Class 1: BMI of 30 to < 35 Class 2: BMI of 35 to < 40 Class 3: BMI of 40 or higher. Class 3 obesity is sometimes categorized as “extreme” or “severe” obesity. However, these values are for the purposes of screening and an in-depth look physical should be performed to determine true physical well-being.