Small Steps for Big Changes - Recipe for Health
This research, called 'Small Steps for Big Changes - Recipe for Health', is for people with prediabetes. It aims to see how a special 6-week diet and exercise program affects their health over two years. Researchers will check blood sugar levels (HbA1c), eating habits, weight, and waist measurements before the program and at different times afterwards. They want to find out if changes in what people eat, like calories, carbs, and fibre, are linked to healthier blood sugar and weight. The study also explores why people choose certain foods and if the program changes these reasons. About 250 people will join, attending sessions at YMCA centres, and visiting the university for health checks.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study, called 'Small Steps for Big Changes - Recipe for Health', is all about helping people who have prediabetes. Prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This study wants to find out if a special 6-week program, focused on making small changes to your diet and how active you are, can lead to big improvements in your health over two years.
The main aim is to see how your blood sugar levels, weight, and waist size change after you've completed this program. Researchers will also look closely at your eating habits – like how many calories, carbohydrates (sugars and starches), and fibre you're eating. They want to understand if these changes in your diet are connected to better blood sugar control and a healthier weight, not just in the short term, but also a year or two later. They're also curious about why people eat what they do and if the program helps people make different food choices.
Ultimately, this research hopes to show how making practical, small changes to your lifestyle can have lasting benefits for people with prediabetes, potentially helping to prevent type 2 diabetes. By understanding what works best and why, this study could help improve future health programs to support more people.
Key takeaways
- It's for people with prediabetes to improve health.
- The study tests a 6-week diet and exercise program.
- It checks blood sugar, weight, and waist size for 2 years.
- No new medicines are involved in this study.
- Participation includes visits to a university lab for health checks.
- The goal is to understand lasting effects of lifestyle changes.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or over, and able to read and speak English.
You might be eligible if you have prediabetes, which means your blood sugar levels (measured by an HbA1c test) are between 5.7% and 6.4%. You could also join if you've previously had type 2 diabetes but are now in remission – meaning your HbA1c is below 6.4% and you haven't been on diabetes medication for at least three months. Another way to be eligible is if you're considered to be at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, based on a specific health questionnaire score.
However, you cannot take part if you are currently pregnant, or if you have type 2 diabetes with an HbA1c of 6.5% or higher. You'll also need to sign a health questionnaire called 'Get Active'.
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.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Can you read and speak English?
- Do you have prediabetes (HbA1c 5.7%-6.4%) or are at high risk?
- Are you not currently pregnant?
- Do you not have diagnosed type 2 diabetes with very high HbA1c?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you'll take part in a 6-week program called 'Small Steps for Big Changes'. This program focuses on diet and exercise and will be held at YMCA centres, led by community trainers. There are no study medications involved.
Throughout the two-year study period, you'll need to visit the Diabetes Prevention Research Group Lab at the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus several times. At these visits, typically before the program and then at 3, 6, 9, 12, 21, and 24 months after it finishes, researchers will check your blood sugar levels (HbA1c), measure your weight and waist, and talk to you about your diet and eating habits. The study will look at how these measures change over time. The total duration of your involvement, including follow-up, will be two years.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University of British ColumbiaVerified postcodeKelowna, Canada
Common questions
What is prediabetes?
Prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
What is HbA1c?
HbA1c is a blood test that shows your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.
Where does the program take place?
The 6-week program will be held at local YMCA centres, led by their trainers.
How long will I be in the study?
Your involvement in the study, including follow-up appointments, will last for two years.
Will I have to take any medicine?
No, this study does not involve taking any new medications.
How to find out more
Mary E Jung, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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