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Benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitoring With GEM Lifestyle Modification for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
Interventions
Other: Routine Care
Behavioral: GEM lifestyle modification & continuous glucose monitoring
Registration Number
NCT03207893
Lead Sponsor
University of Virginia
Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine if the use of continuous glucose monitoring with the GEM lifestyle modification program (Glycemic load, Exercise and Monitoring glucose) will result in better diabetes control than routine care.

Detailed Description

Type 2 diabetes (t2d) is a major epidemic of the developing world which has huge fiscal consequences and many physical complications. It is thought to be brought on in part by contemporary easy access to high energy foods and reduced physical activity, resulting in increased belly fat that culminates in growing insulin resistance and subsequent hyperglycemia. Because of ease and efficacy of medication management, t2d is primarily managed with ever-escalating medication use, which significantly contributes to medical cost and possibly the progression of the disease itself.

An effective supplement or alternative to medication management is lifestyle modification. Conventional lifestyle modification focuses on reducing body fat and insulin resistance through weight reduction from caloric restriction and aerobic exercise. Sustained routine application of this approach is limited because some individuals do not need to lose weight, some do not want to lose weight, others cannot lose weight, and when successful, lifelong weight reduction is difficult to sustain. A useful paradigm shift in lifestyle treatment of t2d might be to go from reducing calories to reducing postprandial glucose (PPG), the primary contributor to glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c).

PPG spikes can be prevented by replacing high with low glycemic load foods and dampened by engaging in postprandial physical activity. This is exemplified by the integrated Glycemic load, Exercise and Monitoring glucose (GEM) program. It promotes choices of low glycemic load foods and increased physical activity, directed by glucose monitoring feedback. Glucose feedback can: 1) educate people as to what food choices minimize PPG and what physical activity choices directly lower PPG, 2) activate individuals when glucose is out of their desired range by alerting them to make choices to lower high glucose or raise low glucose, and 3) motivate individuals to repeat those choices that resulted in desirable glucose consequences. The educating, activating and motivating benefits of glucose feedback are thought to be qualitatively and quantitatively enhanced through continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).

It is hypothesized that, compared to Routine Care (RC), GEM with CGM (GEM+CGM) administered to adults with t2d who are failing with oral medication management will result in better diabetes control (lower HbA1c), reduced medication management (less medication), and better psychological functioning (e.g. greater sense of empowerment) in the short term (3 month follow-up). Further, it is hypothesized that their reduction in HbA1c will be driven by a reduction in PPG.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
24
Inclusion Criteria
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Between the ages of 21 and 80
  • Failed on an oral medication regimen (HbA1c > 7.5%).
Exclusion Criteria
  • Takes insulin
  • Took medications in the last 3 months that impede weight loss (e.g., prednisone)
  • Pregnant or contemplating pregnancy in the next 12 months
  • Conditions that preclude increasing physical activity (e.g. severe neuropathy, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/emphysema, osteoarthritis, stroke)
  • Severe mental disease (e.g. manic depressive illness, severe depression, or active substance abuse)
  • Undergoing treatment for cancer
  • History of lactic acidosis
  • Marked renal impairment (eGFR < 45; stage 3b chronic kidney disease)
  • Takes psychotropic medications that raise blood glucose (e.g. atypical antipsychotics)
  • Cannot read English.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Routine CareRoutine CareSubject's current t2d treatment
GEM+CGMGEM lifestyle modification & continuous glucose monitoringGEM lifestyle modification \& continuous glucose monitoring
GEM+CGMRoutine CareGEM lifestyle modification \& continuous glucose monitoring
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
HbA1cbaseline, 3 months post-intervention

Change in HbA1c measured via blood test

Medication changesbaseline, 3 months post-intervention

Changes in prescribed medications (type and/or dosage)

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
change in psychological functioning (depression questionnaire)baseline, 3 months post-intervention

Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

Exercise (Fitbit)baseline, 3 months post-intervention

daily activity will be recorded

change in psychological functioning (diabetes knowledge questionnaire)baseline, 3 months post-intervention

Diabetes Knowledge Scale - measures diabetes knowledge

change in food choices (ASA24 survey)baseline, 3 months post-intervention

ASA24 survey across 3 separate days

change in psychological functioning (quality of life questionnaire)baseline, 3 months post-intervention

WHOQO-BREF Questionnaire

Psychological functioning (PAID questionnaire)baseline, 3 months post-intervention

Problem Area In Diabetes scale (PAID) - measures concerns about diabetes

change in food choices (energy bar selection)baseline, 3 months post-intervention

At assessment visits, subjects will choose between energy bars that do or dont support the intervention principles.

change in psychological functioning (dietary habits questionnaire)baseline, 3 months post-intervention

The Food Questionnaire

change in psychological functioning (numeracy questionnaire)baseline, 3 months post-intervention

Numeracy Scale - measures how good one is with numbers

change in psychological functioning (empowerment questionnaire)baseline, 3 months post-intervention

Diabetes Empowerment Scale

change in psychological functioning (attitude towards glucose monitoring questionnaire)baseline, 3 months post-intervention

The Glucose Monitoring Satisfaction Survey (GMSS)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Virginia, Dept. of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences

🇺🇸

Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

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