Walking Away from Diabetes- A cluster randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of structured education on walking activity in those with a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes

Principal Investigator: Professor Melanie Davies

Other key staff: Professor Kamlesh Khunti, Professor Nigel Brunskill, Dr Thomas Yates, Mrs Jacqui Trougton, Mrs Janet Jarvis, Dr Trish Gorely and Dr Philip Shelton

Partners involved: NHS Leicester City, NHS Leicestershire County & Rutland and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

Summary: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic health problem affecting over 2 million people in England alone. It shortens life, causes considerable morbidity and consumes 10% of NHS resources. There is a need, therefore, to focus efforts on preventing this devastating disease. Evidence has consistently shown that T2DM may be directly caused by physical inactivity. Unfortunately, previous diabetes prevention programmes that have focussed on patient lifestyle have not been able to maintain significant increases in physical activity.

This study will recruit more than 800 individuals from eight GP practices across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Patients thought to be at risk of developing diabetes will be identified from practice databases and be invited to be involved. Practices will then be randomly allocated to different approaches, with patients either attending educational sessions or receiving standard information booklet and routine care from their GP. Follow-up will be conducted at 12, 24 and 36 months.

Aims:

• To deliver a practical structured education programme aimed at promoting walking activity in individuals identified as having an increased risk of developing T2DM

Further information: If you would like to be involved in this project, or for more information, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Start date: 01/2010                                                                                                      Expected end date: 09/2013

Study outcomes:

• The primary outcome of the study will be change in physical activity
• Secondary outcomes include changes in biochemical, anthropometric and psychological variables

Positive findings from this study could direct commissioning priorities for diabetes, leading to the improved health of our local population by preventing the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus in at risk patients.