Type 2 Diabetes, Sleep and Nutritional intervention 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring people‘s perception of the importance of sleep in controlling type 2 diabetes and features of an acceptable nutritional intervention in improving sleep
IRAS ID
257581
Contact name
Clare England
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a public health concern. In T2D, to achieve and sustain glycaemic control, multiple self-care behaviours need to be adopted. As such, there are a number of diabetes guidelines available for professionals and people with T2D to help with the management of T2D. These guidelines are mainly focused on the traditional risk factors for T2D which are, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet, and excess body weight. However, recently, sleep has also shown to be associated with T2D. Studies have shown people with short (less than 6 hours) and long sleep (more than 9 hours) are at higher risks of developing T2D compared to those who sleep 7-9 hours. In people with T2D, short and long sleep duration are both associated with increased levels of HbA1c (shows average blood glucose in the past 2-3 months) which is an indicator of poor glycaemic control. Moreover, elevated HbA1c is associated with reduced sleep quality. Additionally, T2D complications such as polyuria and nocturia can lead to reduced sleep quality.
Despite the importance of sleep in controlling T2D, it has not been mentioned in any of the guidelines. As such, people with T2D do not seem to be receiving education regarding the importance of sleep.
Sleep quality and duration have been shown to be affected by diet. Several nutritional interventions have shown to improve sleep quality and duration, however, it is unknown whether nutritional interventions are acceptable approach among people with T2D to address sleep problems.
Therefore, the aim is to explore the sleep habits and features of an acceptable nutritional intervention in improving sleep among people with T2D by conducting focus groups.Summary of Results
Poor sleep quality and inadequate sleep duration have shown to be associated with poor diabetes management in people with Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM). However, there is a gap in diabetes health care guidelines on the importance of sleep in management of T2DM. This study aimed to explore how sleep is experienced and perceived by people with T2DM.
A qualitative study was conducted using focus groups. People with T2DM who had previously taken part in other research studies were invited to take part. We used a semi structured focus group guide and asked participants about their sleep, the factors affecting their sleep and the importance of sleep in controlling T2DM.
This is the first study to explore the experience and perception of sleep in people with T2DM.REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NW/0431
Date of REC Opinion
1 Aug 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion