What studies in this area look at
Most kidney studies ask whether a medicine can slow the loss of kidney function over time. Because the kidneys are closely tied to blood sugar and blood pressure, many of them recruit people with diabetes or hypertension too.
Other studies look at kidney stones, at life on dialysis, or at people waiting for or living with a transplant.
Who often takes part
Each study sets its own rules, so this is a picture of the kinds of people these studies tend to ask for, not a checklist.
- People told their kidney function is lower than it should be
- People with diabetes or high blood pressure who have protein in their urine
- People on dialysis
- People with a kidney transplant, or waiting for one
What taking part can involve
Visits vary from study to study. These are among the things the team may ask of you:
- Blood and urine tests at most visits
- Blood pressure and weight checks
- A review of every medicine you take
- An ultrasound scan of the kidneys in some studies
Questions worth asking
Alongside the general questions for any study, these come up often in this area:
- How will my kidney function be watched during the study?
- Will the study team speak with my kidney specialist?
- Are there medicines I must avoid while I take part?