How Your Voice Can Shape the Future of Diabetes Care Through Research
Every advancement in diabetes care starts with one thing: listening to the people who live with it every day.
From insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to mobile apps and educational resources, many of the products used by people living with diabetes today have been influenced by patient feedback. Companies developing these technologies need real-world insights from the people who understand diabetes best—not from textbooks, but from daily life.
That's where patient research comes in.
What Is Thrivable?
Thrivable is a healthcare market research company that connects people living with chronic conditions—including Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes—with research opportunities that help improve future healthcare products and services.
Rather than conducting medical treatment or experimental procedures, Thrivable gathers feedback through surveys, virtual interviews, focus groups, and product evaluations. This allows pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and healthcare organizations to better understand the real experiences of people living with diabetes and the caregivers who support them.
Why Patient Feedback Matters
Living with diabetes is about so much more than blood sugar numbers.
It's about navigating alarms in the middle of the night, managing school plans, traveling with supplies, learning new technology, balancing work and family life, and making hundreds of decisions every day.
These lived experiences help companies answer important questions such as:
Is this insulin pump comfortable to wear?
Is this app intuitive and easy to navigate?
Would this feature actually make daily diabetes management easier?
What challenges are patients still facing that haven't been solved?
Even seemingly small suggestions—like changing the placement of a button or simplifying an app interface—can make a meaningful difference for thousands of future users.
Research Opportunities Go Beyond Surveys
Many people assume research only involves filling out questionnaires.
While paid surveys are one of the most common opportunities, they're far from the only option.
Depending on the study, participants may be invited to:
Complete online surveys
Join virtual interviews over Zoom or Microsoft Teams
Participate in focus groups
Attend in-person product evaluations
Share their experiences using diabetes technology
Provide feedback on future healthcare innovations
Each study varies depending on its purpose, but all are designed to collect honest, real-world perspectives from people who understand diabetes firsthand.
Participants Are Paid for Their Time
Research participation is compensated.
Thrivable provides incentives through gift cards, Visa gift cards, and, in some cases, charitable donation options. Compensation typically starts around $1 per minute, with many studies paying more depending on the length and complexity of the opportunity.
For many participants, however, the biggest reward isn't the incentive.
It's knowing their experiences may help improve products that thousands of people will use in the future.
Why Caregivers Are Essential
At Touched by Type 1, we know diabetes affects entire families—not just the person living with the condition.
Parents, spouses, grandparents, and caregivers often experience diabetes alongside their loved ones. They understand the late-night blood sugar checks, school accommodations, sports, doctor's appointments, and countless behind-the-scenes responsibilities that come with diabetes management.
That's why caregiver perspectives are incredibly valuable during product development.
Their insights help ensure new technologies and healthcare solutions work not only for the individual living with diabetes, but also for the families supporting them every day.
Is Research Safe?
For many people, the word "research" can feel intimidating.
Thrivable's market research studies are non-interventional, meaning participants are not asked to take medications or receive medical treatments as part of these opportunities.
Instead, participants provide feedback through conversations, surveys, or by interacting with product concepts and prototypes.
Privacy is also a top priority. Survey responses are anonymized, and any recordings collected during interviews are used only for research purposes in accordance with participant consent.
What the Future of Diabetes Research Looks Like
Healthcare companies are increasingly involving patients throughout every stage of product development—not just at the beginning or end.
Rather than waiting months between rounds of feedback, many organizations are now making small improvements based on continuous patient input.
This faster, more iterative approach allows companies to identify issues earlier, improve usability, and create products that better fit the realities of everyday life with diabetes. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence may also help researchers analyze feedback more efficiently, accelerating innovation while keeping patient perspectives at the center.
Every Voice Makes a Difference
Whether you've lived with Type 1 diabetes for decades, were recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, or care for someone managing the condition, your experiences matter.
By participating in research, you're helping shape future diabetes technologies, healthcare services, and educational resources for generations to come.
The next breakthrough in diabetes care may begin with a simple survey, an honest conversation, or your willingness to share your story.
Because the people who live with diabetes every day deserve to help shape the future of diabetes care.