The intelligent Diabetes Platform - iDiabetes
Living with diabetes requires careful management, but standard care often uses general guidelines that do not fit everyone. The iDiabetes study in NHS Tayside tests whether a smart digital platform can help doctors and nurses choose the most suitable treatments for each individual. Patients having their usual annual diabetes review are placed into one of three groups. One group continues with normal care, while the other two use the computer tool to guide treatment choices. In the most advanced group, extra checks are performed on routine blood samples to assess heart health, liver fat, and genetic risk factors. The system only makes suggestions. You and your healthcare team stay fully in control and decide on your care together. Researchers will monitor participants for around two years, with long-term follow-up through NHS records, to see if this tailored approach improves health and offers good value for the NHS.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Diabetes affects people in very different ways. While current NHS guidelines work well, they usually suggest similar treatments for everyone. However, some people may have a higher risk of heart or liver complications, while others might respond much better to particular medications. Moving towards 'precision medicine' means finding the right treatment for the right person at the right time.
The iDiabetes study, run by the University of Dundee, explores how modern technology can make this happen. GP practices in NHS Tayside are taking part by using a secure digital platform. Depending on which group your GP surgery is in, doctors will either provide standard care, use the platform to check current guidelines, or use an advanced version that tests routine blood samples for deeper clues about your heart, liver, and genetics.
It is important to know that a computer will never make final choices about your health. The platform simply gives your doctor or nurse clear recommendations based on your unique health profile. You and your healthcare team will discuss these ideas at your annual review and decide together what steps to take. If this approach works well, it could be rolled out to help people with diabetes across the whole of Scotland and beyond.
Key takeaways
- Tests a smart digital tool to provide personalised diabetes care in NHS Tayside.
- Open to adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of diabetes at participating GP surgeries.
- Uses routine annual check-ups and existing blood samples without extra clinic visits.
- Doctors and patients always make treatment decisions together; the tool only makes suggestions.
- Long-term health outcomes will be followed through secure NHS records for up to 15 years.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to adults aged 18 and over who have been diagnosed with diabetes. Because this research is being carried out locally, you must be registered as a patient at a participating NHS Tayside GP surgery.
Men and women of all ages over 18 can take part. You do not need to have any specific complications or be on particular diabetes medications to join, as the researchers want to see how the tool works for a wide variety of people.
You cannot take part if you do not have a confirmed diagnosis of diabetes, if you are under 18 years of age, or if your GP practice is not involved in the trial.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am aged 18 or older.
- I have been diagnosed with diabetes.
- I am registered at a participating GP practice in NHS Tayside.
- I attend, or am due to attend, my routine annual diabetes review.
What does participation involve?
Taking part will not disrupt your everyday routine. You will simply attend your regular annual diabetes review at your GP surgery. If your practice is in the advanced group, extra laboratory checks will be run on the routine blood sample you already provide, meaning you usually do not need extra needle pricks. These checks look at heart function markers, liver scarring, and genetic risk scores.
Your doctor will review any recommendations made by the platform and discuss them with you during your appointment. This might include adjusting your medicines or arranging common NHS tests, such as an ultrasound of your heart or liver. The study monitors your care over roughly 15 months to two years. Researchers will also track your long-term health through linked NHS health records for up to 15 years. A small number of patients may also be invited to complete a short interview about their experience.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- NHS TaysideCity onlyDundee, Scotland
Common questions
Will a computer decide my medical treatment?
No. The iDiabetes tool only offers suggestions based on your health data. You and your doctor or nurse will discuss the options and make all final decisions together.
Do I need to give extra blood for this study?
No. Any extra tests are carried out using the standard blood sample that is already taken during your routine yearly diabetes check-up.
Does it cost anything to take part?
No. The study is completely free and funded by the Scottish Government's Chief Scientist Office and the Tayside Health Fund.
How long will my involvement last?
The active part of the study involves your yearly check-ups over about 15 months to two years. Researchers will also securely review your routine NHS health records for up to 15 years.
What happens if I want to leave the study?
You can withdraw at any point without giving a reason. Your standard NHS care and relationship with your doctor will stay exactly the same.
How to find out more
Ewan Pearson
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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