Validation of Physical Activity Monitors in Diabetes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Validation and Feasiility study of Physical Activity Monitors in Diabetes Mellitus
IRAS ID
158523
Contact name
Dinesh Selvarajah
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Regular physical activity (PA) is associated with reduced risk of mortality and contributes to the prevention of several chronic diseases. This is particularly evident in diabetes where the role of exercise and PA in the prevention and control of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes is widely recognized. PA can be monitored directly in real life situations using PA monitors. However, there is now a need to validate these monitors both clinically and physiologically in patients with diabetes. Furthermore, increasing physical activity is associated with an increased risk of hypoglycaemia especially in those on insulin therapy. Unfortunately, it is currently not possible to give exact advice on insulin dose reductions as this is determined belatedly by the effect of physical exercise on blood glucose. Integrating quantitative data provided by PA monitor to bolus calculation algorithms may provide a more accurate determination of insulin dose reduction. This could lead to the development of PA sensors which alarm (real-time feedback) when a preset level of physical exertion/energy expenditure is exceeded, to indicate increased risk of hypoglycaemia. These points are our main focus but will require a large substantial study to address. Presently, we propose a pilot feasibility study designed to examine the utility of PA monitors to facilitate patients in daily living and healthcare professionals in routine diabetes care. The primary aim of this study is to validate the use of physical activity monitors in patients with diabetes.
REC name
East of England - Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/EE/1132
Date of REC Opinion
17 Nov 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion