Jesper, a diabetic, believes in collaboration

Jesper Magnusson: How participation in diabetes studies contributes to better treatments

Jesper Magnusson believes that participating in drug studies is an important part of maintaining society's structure: "I usually call myself one of Sweden's most examined men."

Jesper Magnusson has diabetes. To contribute to society, he participates as a research participant in studies involving new diabetes medications. Currently, he is at Clinical Trial Consultants AB (CTC) in Uppsala.

"I am driven by a desire to help others, but also myself. I get to be at the forefront. I usually call myself one of Sweden's most examined men after all the basic health check-ups. This allows doctors to detect cancer or similar conditions at an early stage," explains Jesper Magnusson.

He firmly believes that diabetes is a lifestyle disease on the rise in Sweden.

"I hope I can contribute to a higher quality of life for other diabetics by being a research participant, but primarily, I'm involved out of pure curiosity."

After participating in six clinical studies, Jesper Magnusson remains curious.

"I believe in cooperation. You can see it as a job, but also that the car journey here was actually very pleasant. All of Sweden consists of clubs, associations, and federations, and often it's voluntary work. If people don't support each other, you won't get anywhere – that's what holds society's structure together."

Jesper Magnusson was diagnosed with diabetes about 30 years ago, but for him, it wasn't a major turning point because he currently still has no noticeable symptoms. This is also why he finds it difficult to change his lifestyle habits. However, to maintain stable blood sugar, he needs to take four tablets a day.

– I was terrified of pills at first, but skipping them isn't an option. All these regular health check-ups might at least make me think more about what I eat and how it affects me. One of my life goals is to get my golf handicap below 5 before I turn 90.

Jan Erik Berglund is the physician in charge of an ongoing diabetes study at CTC. He is an intensive care and anaesthesiology doctor and has been involved in drug trials since the 1980s.

– Many patients can benefit from new diabetes medications. In recent years, there has been a significant development in treatment methods in this field. This includes technological advancements like blood glucose meters and insulin pumps, as well as progress in pharmacology. Although current treatments are well-established and have worked for many years, unfortunately, many people still experience side effects. It is these side effects that can be reduced to improve the quality of life for individual patients.

He believes that much responsibility lies with basic research. Clinical studies come into play at a later stage.

– CTC contributes by checking the safety and, to some extent, the effectiveness of medicines, as we primarily conduct early phases of drug development. It's interesting to be part of the development of new medicines, and more research participants are needed, says Jan Erik Berglund.

– It's important that we support each other. How else can we make medicines better if no one dares to take them? says Jesper Magnusson.

Do you also have diabetes and want to participate in a drug study? Register in our database.