Prohealth@home Feasibility Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Prohealth@home Feasibility Study A feasibility study: Investigating the application of a web-based lifestyle app to improve glycaemic control in individuals at high risk of Type 2 diabetes by changing dietary and activity behaviours?
IRAS ID
157476
Contact name
Avril Collinson
Contact email
Research summary
Diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate. Estimates suggest that 7 million people in the UK are at high risk of developing diabetes (sometimes called “pre-diabetes”). Pre-diabetes occurs when glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Lifestyle interventions such as making healthy dietary choices, increasing activity levels and losing excess body weight have been shown to reduce the risk of progressing to Type 2 diabetes. In practice these lifestyle interventions require a high level of professional support, are costly and the organisation required is not sustainable.
The internet has the potential to provide an alternative means of supporting large numbers of individuals in making lifestyle changes. The researchers are not aware of any published studies that explored the impact of a web-based lifestyle app alongside additional professional support via this web for people with pre-diabetes, and the impact on lifestyle behaviours (diet and activity) and reduction in risk of developing diabetes.
A feasibility study is necessary to test whether the intervention will have an effect on lifestyle behaviours, to test whether the study design works and to explore patients’ acceptability of participating, including their experiences of using the intervention.
Individuals at high risk of developing diabetes will be recruited from 2 GP practices, provided with a web-based lifestyle app and will receive personalised behaviour modification advice by a registered dietitian via the web. Individuals will be assessed at a number of points during the intervention for changes in glucose levels, lifestyle behaviours and other modifiable risk factors for diabetes. Further qualitative data on the acceptability of using the intervention and individuals experiences of the study will be collected via focus groups.
If feasible this study will provide the NHS with an alternative method for managing pre-diabetes/Type 2 DM risk.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/SW/1047
Date of REC Opinion
5 Sep 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion