Currently, the estimated number of people with diabetes mellitus is approximately 387 million people worldwide. Due to population growth, urbanization, ageing and the rising prevalence of obesity the numbers of individuals with diabetes is increasing likewise. It has been shown that improving glycemic control is associated with a reduction in late complications of diabetes, such as cardiovascular and microvascular diseases. Therefore, treatment guidelines were established internationally by large and renowned associations and adopted by many countries.
For Switzerland only sparse data exist on the actual implementation of such recommendations and on patient's well-being. The Swiss Diabetes Registry - SwissDiab Study is a prospective cohort study aiming at including and collecting data of virtually all patients regularly seen and treated at the study centers (≈ 500 patients each), irrespective of type, duration of diabetes or treatment . This allows the evaluation of diabetes treatment strategies at these centers. Furthermore, risk indicators for micro- and macrovascular complications, mortality as well as costs and quality of life will be assessed. Data will be recorded through an internet-based, electronic database specifically designed for this study. At a later perspective it is planned to extend data collection to general practitioner/family doctor networks in order to include a larger and more representative sample of patients with diabetes in Switzerland.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age \> 18 years
* Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus according to ADA criteria
* Informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients with gestational diabetes mellitus, patients unable to give informed consent, legally incompetent or incapable to comply with the study terms and conditions as well as patients with significantly reduced life expectancy (\<1 year) will be excluded
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Since this is a registry study tracking people with diabetes over time and measuring mortality as a primary outcome, can you help me understand what kind of information it would actually collect about me, and whether joining would involve any changes to my current treatment or care?
2Given that this study is based in Switzerland and is called the Swiss Diabetes Registry, am I even eligible to participate given where I live, and if so, what would the practical commitment look like in terms of visits, data sharing, or follow-up over the years?
3Because this is a long-term observational registry rather than a treatment trial, what are the potential risks or downsides of enrolling — for example, around how my personal health data would be stored and used?
4Would participating in this registry conflict with or delay me starting any standard diabetes treatments or other clinical trials that might offer more direct benefit to my health right now?
5Since the study is measuring mortality as its primary outcome, does that mean it's looking at people with a wide range of diabetes types and severities — and is this registry likely to be relevant to someone with my specific diagnosis and situation?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.