Fenland 3

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    The Fenland Study Phase 3

  • IRAS ID

    323704

  • Contact name

    Nick Wareham

  • Contact email

    nick.wareham@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Cambridge

  • ISRCTN Number

    ISRCTN72077169

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    2 years, 0 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Type 2 diabetes (T2D) arises from an interaction between behavioural, genetic and environmental factors. The projected number of cases by 2030 is in the region of 643 million world wide. Therefore a better understanding of the causes of this disease is necessary to form effective public health policies.

    Phases one and two of the Fenland Study allowed us to take two snap shots of participants’ behaviours (such as their diet and physical activity) and their metabolic health. Phase 3 of the Fenland Study will allow us to investigate further changes in these over time and to examine how genetic, behavioural and environmental factors interact over a longer period of time. All participants from phase 1 who agreed to be re-approached for future research are eligible for phase 3.

    Participants have the option to complete questionnaires digitally in their own homes before the clinic visit at a time that is convenient to them via a bespoke app. Other options are available for inclusivity which allows participants to complete questionnaires are via an online web platform or to complete the questionnaires using the online web platform on a tablet at the clinic visit with study team support.

    Participants will attend a clinic visit at one of our 3 testing facilities in Cambridgeshire. This includes collection of blood and urine samples, an oral glucose tolerance test, height, weight, hip & waist measurements, blood pressure reading, an ECG (electrocardiogram), body fat distribution using ultrasound and Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA), and a fitness test.

    Participants will wear a physical activity monitor to measure energy expenditure and activity in a free living environment (i.e. during everyday life) for 7 days prior to the clinic visit. The follow up phase is expected to last up to 2 years.

  • REC name

    East Midlands - Derby Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    23/EM/0105

  • Date of REC Opinion

    5 May 2023

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion