The HER Study (HEart and kidney pRotection in diabetes Study)
Women living with diabetes face a difficult reality. Diabetes brings a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in women compared to men and are more likely to experience gaps in care. Women often experience higher blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels and may be less likely to receive medications that protect the heart and kidneys. Yet the reasons behind these differences in care are still not fully understood.
The HER Study, funded by Heart & Stroke, will be an important step toward changing that. We will work with women to discuss cardiovascular and kidney disease and will create evidence-informed care pathways that reduce diabetes care gaps.
A persistent blind spot in women’s health research
Despite decades of clinical research in diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease, women remain underrepresented in research studies.
This imbalance has consequences. Without sufficient sex-specific data:
Cardiovascular risks may be underestimated
Complications may be recognized later
Symptoms that present differently in women can be overlooked
Care pathways may not be inclusive
The result is a silent deficit in evidence guiding care for women with diabetes.
“We simply don’t have enough data to guide best diabetes care for half of our population,” says Dr. Kristin K. Clemens, endocrinologist at St. Joseph’s Health Care London and Associate Professor at Western University. “We are often left having to extrapolate study outcomes.”
Listening as the intervention
The HER Study is built around listening.
Women with diabetes who are living with, or at risk for, heart or kidney disease are invited to participate in a one-hour conversation with a trained member of the research team. The discussion can take place in person, by phone, or online.
There are no medical tests, no additional clinic visits, and no follow-up appointments. There is simply one meaningful conversation in a safe, private setting.
“We meet with women and ask about their diabetes health journey,” says Dr. Clemens. “How easy or difficult was it to access care? What got in the way of taking medications? Did they feel heard? What support did they need along the way?”
By listening to women’s stories, the HER Study will explore the barriers, challenges, and lived experiences of women. “Ultimately, we hope to shape how women receive care for diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease.”
The team is listening for patterns and shared challenges, but also for strengths, resilience, and practical solutions women themselves identify. Those insights will directly inform the development of tools and approaches designed to make cardio-kidney-diabetes care easier, fairer, and more effective.
The HER Study will be led by The Metabolic and Chronic Disease Research Unit (The MCDRU). The unit, directed by Dr. Clemens and nephrologist, Dr. Louise Moist, focuses on one central goal: improving life for people living with chronic illness.
The MCDRU advances diabetes and chronic disease research through innovation and teamwork.
The team works across disciplines, bringing together expertise in endocrinology, nephrology, cardiology, epidemiology, and patient-oriented research to better understand how chronic diseases intersect and how care can be improved across the continuum.
A defining feature of the unit is its real-world approach. Studies are designed to fit naturally into everyday clinical care, with minimal burden on participants and deep respect for lived experience. This pragmatic model ensures that research findings are both meaningful and immediately relevant to patients and providers.
Most importantly, the MCDRU is a community of dedicated researchers and collaborators committed to advancing equitable care.
As the unit continues to grow, a major focus will be addressing underrepresented populations in research. The HER Study is one of the first steps in that commitment.
“We are just getting started,” says Dr. Clemens. “Our goal is to change healthcare to be relevant to the real people we serve, especially those who have historically understudied.”
Representation as responsibility
The HER Study is grounded in a strong sense of social responsibility.
Gender diverse populations, women, racialized and marginalized groups, and those with complex chronic conditions, have been underrepresented in clinical research. That absence contributes to persistent inequities in diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.
“It is our responsibility to represent equity deserving people in research.”
By centering women’s experiences, the study seeks not only to document disparities but to actively redesign systems of care.
A call to women in Southwestern Ontario
Women across Southwestern Ontario living with diabetes, particularly those affected by heart or kidney concerns, are invited to participate in this first study.
Participation involves a single one-hour conversation. Every story contributes to closing the research gap and strengthening care for future generations.
“If you’re interested in taking part, we would truly love to hear from you,” says Dr. Clemens. “Every story matters. Your voice can help change heart and kidney care for women across Canada. We would be honoured to listen.”
To learn more or to participate, contact the HER Study team by phone at 519 646 6100 ext. 65520, by email at mcdru@sjhc.london.on.ca, or visit herstudy.ca.
