Research Studies

To determine if individuals with prediabetes can use GEM plus Libre CGM to improve metabolic control.

For people with prediabetes, it may be possible to delay or prevent the progression to diabetes by reducing postprandial glucose (PPG). Our Glycemic Excursion Minimization (GEM) lifestyle intervention guide can reduce PPG in people with type 2 diabetes and has been studied in this population with continuous glucose monitor (CGM) feedback to help the user learn what elevates and lowers their PPG. This study examines if the GEM lifestyle intervention guide plus continuous feedback from the Libre 2 CGM will allow participants with prediabetes with A1c 6.0-6.4 to (1) improve their metabolic status by illustrating the effects of their routine food and physical activity choices on their glucose levels and variability, more than Routine Care (RC), and (2) to enhance these investigations by adding comprehensive plasma proteomics to the analyses. We will recruit up to 36 adult participants with prediabetes through the University of Colorado, with the goal of having at least 30 participants complete the study. Participants will be randomized to the intervention or RC. Those randomized to the intervention will be given a GEM treatment manual, Libre2 CGM, and an activity monitor and will follow the GEM lifestyle intervention guide for 4 months. Those participants randomized to RC will follow recommendations from their primary care provider. RC participants will have the opportunity to receive GEM four months after consenting and completing the RC pre-post assessments. It is anticipated that 50% of the RC participants will want/be able to cross over to GEM upon completion of RC. Pre-post blinded CGM data and activity data, clinical, and psychosocial outcomes will be collected and analyzed. We anticipate this pilot project will demonstrate the benefits of using GEM plus Libre 2 to reduce percentage of CGM readings>120, from blinded pre-post LibrePro, as well as reduce BMI and depressive symptoms and increase modified diabetes empowerment. Comprehensive proteomics will be measured on small samples of EDTA treated venous blood. Individual proteins and protein pathways will be measured for each of the participants.