Research participant opportunities
All studies and surveys that are promoted on the Diabetes New Zealand website and social media channels are provided as a service to the diabetes research community. This research is not specifically endorsed by Diabetes New Zealand.
If you would like to promote a survey or ask for participants, email info@diabetes.org.nz.
Studies currently recruiting
Investigating brain-pain adaptations in people with distinct neuropathic pain profiles
The University of Otago are inviting adults aged 18-75 years with neuropathic pain symptoms to participate in a research study investigating brain activity in individuals with different neuropathic pain profiles.
They are looking for participants for the following groups:
Neuropathic symptoms (burning, numbness, and ‘pins and needles’) from a diagnosed medical condition, such as diabetes or carpal tunnel syndrome for more than three months
Neuropathic symptoms (burning, numbness, and ‘pins and needles’) as part of their joint pain for more than three months
Chronic joint pain for more than three months
Participants will attend a 90-minute session at the Department of Anatomy Research Clinic at the University of Otago. Participants will receive a $50 gift voucher in appreciation of their time.
Contact: Luke Bialostocki for further information. Phone: (03) 471 6010. Email: brainpainresearch.anatomy@otago.ac.nz
Looking for a Type 1 Diabetes Monitoring Device?
Potential Glucose Ketone Wearable
Find out if you or your loved one may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial researching a potential wearable device that could make it easier to continuously monitor both glucose and ketone levels in a single sensor. The hope is that this potential new medical device could give earlier warning signs through real-time glucose and ketone readings, potentially reducing the need for frequent finger-prick testing and helping people take action sooner.
Eligible participants may:
· Receive access to the potential device being researched for Type 1 Diabetes
· Receive study related health checks at no cost
· Be compensated for participating in this study
There are no overnight stays. MedSafe and the Health & Disability Ethics Committee (HDEC) have given their approval for this study to run here in New Zealand.
Click the link below to learn more:
CLICK HERE for North Island locations north of Taupō
CLICK HERE for North Island locations south of Taupō and the South Island
Or call 0800 73 73 27 extension 1 to speak to their team.
Participants wanted – International Diabetes Research Study
Researchers at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol, UK) are inviting adults aged 18 years and over living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes to take part in an international research study evaluating a FREE 4-week online wellbeing programme.
The programme is completed entirely online, takes around 15 minutes each week, and can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
📅 Recruitment closes: 31 August 2026
Find out more and check your eligibility here:
Risk Messaging Through the Eyes of the Community
How do campaigns about diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and complication risks affect you? Do you find campaigns helpful, motivating, respectful, or unhelpful, and why?
A new international study led by the Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes (ACBRD) is exploring how risk awareness campaigns are experienced in the real world and want to hear your views.
Who can take part?
This English-language survey is open to adults (18+) living anywhere in the world.
What is involved?
Complete a brief online survey about risk-related campaigns and how they have influenced you. You can share your views about campaigns in general or reflect on a specific campaign that has stood out to you.
Why is this research important?
Findings will help inform future diabetes and cardiovascular health campaigns, with the goal of creating communications that are not only effective, but also respectful, meaningful, and relevant, for diverse communities.
Take part or learn more: Survey Link
Contact: Dr Eloise Litterbach, Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes (ACBRD), Deakin University and Diabetes Victoria.
Email: e.litterbach@deakin.edu.au
Adapting LIFT to Include a Sexual Health Module for Youth and Young Adults
The University of Auckland is looking for young people (16-30) living with diabetes who want to know more about their sexual health. The study will help to develop a sexual health module for mental health app LIFT - a digital tool for young people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Participation involves:
Taking part in interviews and/or workshops to explore views on sexual health information within a diabetes-specific context. Interviews/workshops will be held either in-person at the University of Auckland Grafton campus or online (over Zoom).
Completing a brief questionnaire, including an open-ended question about sexual health
Providing feedback on a prototype module
$50 voucher upon completing the project
Contact: Charlotte Blundell - Phone: 0272112003. Email: cblu229@aucklanduni.ac.nz
Patients as teachers
The University of Otago Wellington is looking for “patients as teachers” for their health science students (e.g. medicine, nursing, paramedicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy, radionation therapy, social work). The students want to learn what is is like managing one or more long-term health conditions and how teamwork among different professionals contributes to patient care.
You will meet with a small group of 3-4 students and the conversation usually lasts about 45 minutes. They will ask you questions about how you manage your condition, who supports you, and how your health care team communicate and collaborate. The students can come meet you at your home or you can arange to meet them in a public space such at the University of Otago campus, a library, or café.
Find out more: Become a Friend of Interprofesional Education (IPE) Interest Form
Contact: Rachael ipe.uow@otago.ac.nz
Share your views on ‘LIFT’ – the wellbeing app for people living with diabetes
The University of Auckland are looking for participants. They want to hear your views on the LIFT wellbeing app; a digital tool co-designed with young people living with diabetes. The team are exploring how the app could be used in routine diabetes care in Aotearoa to better support wellbeing.
Are you:
Rangatahi/Young People (aged 16–30) living with type 2 diabetes
What is involved:
Try the LIFT app before the interview
Take part in a 60-minute online Zoom interview
Share your thoughts about the app
Discuss how it could support diabetes care services across
$60 Koha (gift voucher) as a thank you for your time
Contact: Heidi Baxter - email: heidi.baxter@auckland.ac.nz
Do you have a sibling with a disability or other long term health condition?
Researchers at AUT are looking for participants to help with a study to understand what it’s like to be a brother or sister when your sibling has a health condition that needs ongoing care.
They are inviting siblings aged 5–18 years old to take part in a one-on-one interview.
Talk about your ideas, questions, and experiences.
📍 You can choose a time and place that suits you (this can be online via Teams or Zoom).
🕒 The interview will take about 45–60 minutes
🎁 You’ll get a small thank-you voucher for taking part
Contact: Julie Blamires (921-9999 ext. 7979), julie.blamires@aut.ac.nz
or Mandie Foster, Mandie.foster@aut.ac.nz
Ghrelin and SNA in Pacific People (SNAPP)
The University of Otago and University of Auckland are looking for participants to help with a study examining the link between blood levels of the ‘hunger’ hormone Ghrelin and risk factors for diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels (known as cardiovascular disease).
Are you:
Of Pacific or New Zealand European heritage
18 years or older
Living with type 2 diabetes and have normal blood sugar
Able to visit the University of Auckland, located at Grafton, Auckland
Contact: Ana Seyegh, PhD; Caroline Sanches t2d@auckland.ac.nz
Find out more: SNAPP - Participant Initial Visit
Access Aid Research Study
The University of Otago are looking for participants to help with their ACCESS-AID research study.
Open to anyone who is eligible for a publicly funded pump (eligibility criteria applies).
Contact: access.aid@otago.ac.nz
Are you over 18 and willing to share your health experiences with 2nd and 3rd year medical students to help train our future doctors?
We are currently looking for people who are willing to share their experiences with medical conditions such as diabetes. Find out more: Becoming a Friend of the Medical School Expression of Interest Form
If you have any questions please contact us on foms@otago.ac.nz or call 03 479 4859.
Please note: this is for the Dunedin/Mosgiel area.