Using a Fitbit, Diabetes Education, and Text Messages to Help Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Be More Active
The main goal of this study is to see if using a Fitbit and getting helpful text messages can support people with type 2 diabetes in taking better care of their health. The study will check if the 12-week program is easy to use and useful for patients.
Why this Research Matters
Text messages can help people with type 2 diabetes by reminding them to take their medicine, teaching them about their health, and keeping them motivated between doctor visits. Since many people have diabetes and not enough support, using tools like fitness trackers and remote care can help more people stay healthy - especially in everyday doctor's offices. These tools might also be paid for by insurance, which makes them easier to use for a longer time. Other studies show that Fitbits and text messages can help people move more, sit less, manage their blood sugar, and feel more in control of their health.
What to Expect
If you join the study, you'll be one of up to 36 people from your area who take part. You'll get a Fitbit to wear for 12 weeks. It will track how much you move and send that info to your doctor and the study team. You'll also get messages from a Chatbot with tips to help you stay active, and you can message the Chatbot too. At the start, you'll meet in person with your doctor and the study team. They'll ask you questions, do some lab tests, give you your Fitbit, and show you how to use it. One week later, you'll have a virtual visit to learn how to use the Chatbot. After that, you'll wear the Fitbit for 12 weeks and get messages to help you move more. At the end of the 12 weeks, you'll meet your doctor in person again. They'll ask more questions, repeat lab tests, and have you fill out surveys about your experience in the study. After you finish, you'll get to keep the Fitbit.
Study Duration
The study lasts 12 weeks. You will have three visits: one in-person at the start, one virtual visit after a week, and one final in-person visit at the end.
Who can Participate
You may be able to join this study if:
- You are between 18 and 80 years old
- You have type 2 diabetes
- You get less than 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week (like walking where you can talk but not sing)
- Your A1c is 7.5% or higher (a few people with lower A1c may also qualify)
- You have a smartphone that works with a Fitbit
- Exercise more than 60 minutes a week at a moderate or high intensity
- Have serious health problems that make exercise unsafe (like heart disease, cancer, or kidney failure)
- Had a major heart event or surgery in the past 12 months
- Plan to have major surgery during the study
- Have a blood disorder or take medicine that could affect your A1c
- Have taken steroids in the past 8 weeks or plan to take them during the study
- Plan to move out of Colorado within 3 months
- Are pregnant or planning to get pregnant in the next 3 months
- Have trouble using a Fitbit or following study steps safely
- Do not speak English
- Are already in another diabetes-related study
Study ID
Protocol Number: 24-2577
Compensation Information
Meet the Team
Principal Investigator