Development of Minimally Invasive Methodology for Diabetyping to Personalise Treatment to Realise Remission and Reversal of Type 2 Diabetes

Rationale: Lifestyle changes in diet and exercise can reverse type 2 diabetes (T2D), also referred to as T2D remission. Although combined lifestyle interventions for T2D remission are promising, not all persons react similarly to such 'one-size-fits-all' interventions. Research has shown that as a result of differences in T2D pathophysiology between individuals, different subgroups of T2D can be identified, that differ in which diet is most beneficial in the recovery of pancreatic beta-cell function. TNO and partners work on the development of the Diabetyping Lifestyle Intervention (DLI) for T2D subtypes that tailors the combined lifestyle intervention based on organ dysfunction (liver, muscle and/or pancreatic beta cell function) by using the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Current diabetyping is invasive, needs to take place in a clinical setting, and therefore is not suited for scaling to application in the large T2D population of more than 1 million people. Therefore, less invasive, scalable alternatives are warranted.

Objective: The main objective of the 2DIAREM study is to develop minimally invasive alternatives of diabetyping. Two alternative sampling methods will be evaluated, finger pricks and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Data collected through these technologies may be used to predict OGTT indices and diabetypes to guide personalized lifestyle interventions for T2D patients. Furthermore, the investigators aim to develop and evaluate the minimally invasive diabetyping technology with algorithms based on finger prick sampling and multi-day CGM upon a standardized snack or multi-day CGM only under real-world conditions.

Study design: The study will be an observational study, lasting 20 days and consisting of three mornings with measurements.

Study population: A heterogenous group of people with overweight/(pre)diabetes type 2. The investigators aim for equal distribution among overweight/prediabetes, mild diabetes, and severe diabetes in the study population.

Intervention (if applicable): During the 20 days of monitoring participants are asked to undergo one OGTT and consume two times a standardized snack (Snelle Jelle (naturel 65 gram)) after an overnight fast. In between participants are asked to follow their usual lifestyle.

Main study parameters/endpoints: Continuously measured subcutaneous glucose, as well as, glucose and insulin, and c-peptide collected via capillary sampling for the development of algorithms predicting the different diabetypes and the underlying indices based on venous blood glucose and insulin.

Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness: The burden of this study consists of the application and removal of the continuous glucose monitor device, and the consumption of a sweet beverage (OGTT) and two standardized snacks and undergoing several capillary blood draws. The risks associated with participation can be considered negligible, and are mainly associated with the glucose sensor and the OGTT. The glucose sensor provides a small risk of adverse events including skin irritation, skin infection, and skin colouring. The OGTT poses a small risk of hypo- or hyperglycaemia and can lead to nausea. However, experienced medical professionals are present at the clinic and will closely monitor well-being and health status of the study participants. Benefits include that data collected through the technologies may be used to predict OGTT indices and diabetypes much less invasively and scalable to guide personalized lifestyle interventions for T2D patients.