CompletedInterventional

Women’s Wellness Type 2 Diabetes Programme in the UK

This study is testing a 12-week online programme called 'Women's Wellness with Type 2 Diabetes'. It's for women in the UK aged 45 to 65 who have Type 2 diabetes. The goal is to see if this programme, which includes an e-Book, podcasts, and a private Facebook group for peer support, can help women better manage their diabetes and improve their overall health, mood, and habits. Researchers will also learn about how participants find the programme and what it's like for the peer supporters. The study hopes to understand if this online approach is helpful and easy to use, with assessments at the start, 3 months, and 6 months.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

Start

10 May 2024

Estimated completion

15 Dec 2024

Type 2 diabetes

What is this study about?

Type 2 diabetes can affect women differently than men due to body differences, social factors, and daily roles. It can also have more serious health impacts for women. That’s why it’s really important to find good ways to prevent and manage Type 2 diabetes, especially for women in midlife (ages 45-65). This stage of life is often when making healthy changes can have a big positive effect on health and could even help people live longer.

This study introduces an online programme called the ‘Women’s Wellness with Type 2 Diabetes Programme’ (WWDP+). It’s a 12-week programme designed specifically for midlife women with Type 2 diabetes using modern online tools. The main goal of this study is to find out if this revised online programme is practical, acceptable, and whether it can help women improve their physical health, emotional well-being, and daily habits related to managing their diabetes over a 3-month and 6-month period.

We also want to understand what participants think about the programme's content and how it's delivered online. We’ll also talk to the women who act as peer supporters to learn about their experiences and what works best when helping others online. This information will help us to understand what kind of training and support is needed for online programmes like this to be successful and last a long time.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates a 12-week online programme for women with Type 2 diabetes.
It aims to improve physical health, emotional wellbeing, and long-term habits.
Participation involves using an e-Book, podcasts, and a private Facebook support group.
The programme is designed for women aged 45-65 in the UK.
Assessments are done online at the start, 3 months, and 6 months.
You need internet access and comfort using online tools, including Facebook.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women aged between 45 and 65 years old who have a current diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. You must also be living in the UK and receive your diabetes care through the NHS, usually from your GP surgery. To take part, you need to be able to read and speak English.

You also need to have access to a computer or laptop, a reliable internet connection, and feel comfortable using the internet for things like online shopping or sending emails. Since the programme uses Facebook for peer support, you’ll need a Facebook account or be willing to create one.

Unfortunately, if you have Type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes, are currently taking part in another research study, or do not meet the technical requirements (like internet access), you won't be able to join this study.

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 a woman aged between 45 and 65 years?
Do you have Type 2 diabetes?
Do you live in the UK and get your diabetes care through the NHS?
Can you read and speak English well?
Do you have a computer/laptop, reliable internet, and feel comfortable using online tools (like email and Facebook)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you’ll first complete an online questionnaire to check if you’re eligible. If you are, and you give your consent online, you’ll fill out a starting survey asking about things like your height, weight, ethnicity, education, sleep, and how you feel about managing your diabetes. After this, you’ll be registered for the 12-week online programme.

The programme involves a special website where you’ll read weekly health topics from an e-Book, use a logbook to track your daily activities, and watch podcasts. You’ll also take part in a private Facebook group where you can share experiences with other women. At week 3 and week 12, you'll be asked to set personal goals and complete a form about them. All communication and surveys will be sent to you by email. Some participants who engage with the programme will also be invited for an online interview after 4 months to share their thoughts and experiences. You’ll complete follow-up online surveys at 3 and 6 months after starting the study. The total study commitment lasts for 6 months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part could offer several benefits, including learning more about general health, improving your quality of life, understanding your diet better, developing regular exercise habits, and gaining confidence in managing your Type 2 diabetes, especially through shared experiences with others. There are a few potential risks. When exercising, there's always a small risk of injury, especially if you're not used to it. The programme encourages you to gradually increase activity and stretch to minimise this. Reading the e-Book could lead to eye strain or shoulder stiffness; however, regular movement during the day can help prevent this. The programme touches on topics like cancer and diabetes complications, which some might find upsetting. If you feel uncomfortable, you can skip these topics or contact your diabetes provider, Diabetes UK, or Samaritans for support. In the online support group, misunderstandings can happen, but trained moderators will be there to keep discussions supportive. You can stop participating at any time without needing to give a reason.

Locations (1)

King's College London
Approximate
London, England

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to see if a 12-week online programme helps women aged 45-65 with Type 2 diabetes manage their condition better and improve their overall health and wellbeing.

Who can take part in this study?

Women in the UK aged 45-65 with Type 2 diabetes who can speak English, have internet access, and use a computer and Facebook.

What will I actually have to do?

You'll use an online programme for 12 weeks, which includes reading an e-Book, watching podcasts, tracking activities, and sharing experiences in a Facebook group. You'll also complete some online surveys at the start, 3 months, and 6 months.

Are there any benefits to joining?

You might gain more knowledge about your health, improve your exercise habits, understand diet better, and feel more confident in managing your diabetes with peer support.

What if I feel uncomfortable or upset during the study?

You can choose not to discuss topics that upset you, and support is available from your diabetes provider, Diabetes UK, or Samaritans. You can also stop taking part at any time.

How to find out more

Deniz Bozkurt

deniz.bozkurt@kcl.ac.uk +44 (0)20 7836 5454 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.