Fighting type 1 diabetes with research

Lloyd Murfin, 29, a chemist from Cardiff, is taking part in the Ver-A-T1D study, a clinical study looking into whether existing blood pressure medication can prevent the symptoms of type 1 diabetes from the onset.

“I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2022, but I didn’t have any of the usual symptoms: I hadn’t lost weight, I wasn’t thirsty and I wasn’t urinating a lot at that point. But I did have frequent headaches and I was exhausted. 

“I had an amazing doctor who did a lot of additional tests and the night before I was supposed to go to my friend’s stag-do I got a phone call from the doctor saying you have type 1 diabetes.

“I was terrified because it’s a life-long condition that I am still learning to live with. It’s like hitting a balloon up in the air all day, every day and you just do that forever like it's always there.”

Why did you choose to take part in the study?

Thanks to his background in medicinal chemistry and his job in the pharmaceutical field, Lloyd has an informed view of research.

“I understand the benefits of clinical trials.”

Lloyd explained why he decided to participate in the research.

"It really gave me a sense of control and a healthy approach towards getting my head around what was happening with my diagnosis.

"Millions of people have been part of clinical trials in the past and as a society, we have benefited from that with new drugs and ways to live with long-term conditions.”

"I'm helping by being on the trial, and in return I get amazing one-to-one contact with really big minds like consultants and researchers, in the area."

What was your experience of taking part in the study?   

In a randomised trial like the Ver-A-T1D study, people are randomly assigned to different groups. Participants are then required to take one pill daily for one year but they may not know whether they are receiving the actual medication being tested (Verapamil in this case) or a placebo (a fake pill with no active ingredients).

“I don't know what I'm taking and the nurses on the trial don’t know either. 

“I might be on the placebo pill or the actual medication that is being tested.”

Where would we be without research?  

With rising numbers of type 1 and 2 diabetes diagnoses post Covid, the need for accessible and effective treatments becomes more crucial than ever.

"I think any research that's happening now is just so much more impactful down the line."

Lloyd’s involvement in the Ver-A-T1D study, is a great example of how individuals armed with personal experiences can drive positive change in health and social care research. 

“Other research happening around the world is hoping to diagnose children early on and provide an advanced warning that yes, at some point in this child is going to develop type 1 diabetes.

“So, the idea is if you could combine thee studies, children could start taking medication before they get to the point where their pancreas starts to fail.

As a result, they may never need to inject insulin, which is just amazing.”

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