University Retirees Volunteer Center

TRACK T2D Sitting Research Study for Persons with Type 2 Diabetes

Program Overview:

The purpose of this study is to understand how older people living with type 2 diabetes use data from wearable blood sugar and activity monitors to support diabetes self-management. Study investigators are also trying to determine if this technology can help people reduce the amount of time they spend  sitting.

Volunteers Role

 Volunteer participants will be asked to complete a brief screening phone call to determine eligibility.

If eligible, volunteers will:

• Attend up to five in-person study visits, lasting approximately 1–2 hours each.
• Wear activity and glucose monitors throughout the study. An activity monitor will be worn three times for 10 days, and a continuous glucose monitor will be worn two times for 10 days.
• Work with the study team to develop individualized strategies and creative ways to break up time spent sitting, such as walking while talking on the phone, doing exercises while seated, completing calf raises, or standing during television advertisements.
• Complete an interview about your thoughts on physical activity and your experiences wearing the study devices.
• Total participation in the study is expected to be approximately 2–3 months.

Volunteer Eligibility:

• Must be 55+ years of age, living with type 2 diabetes, and have not used a continuous glucose monitor in the last year for a month or longer.

Date, Time, and Location:

• Dates and times are arranged during typical business hours and can be flexible based on your availability (8am - 5pm Monday through Friday).

Visits are completed at University of Minnesota-School of Nursing or the Urban Research and Outreach Engagement Center; 500 SE Harvard St, Minneapolis, MN 55455 or UROC; 2001 Plymouth Avenue N, Minneapolis, MN 55411.

Physical Expectations:

• Willingness to engage in light physical activity with the goal of reducing sedentary time.
• Willingness to wear a continuous glucose monitor on the back of the arm and an activity monitor on the thigh.

Parking/Transportation:

• Participants should park using the valet services at the University of Minnesota East Bank Medical Center. A parking voucher will be provided. A study team member will meet you and escort you to the School of Nursing Lab.

• Free parking is available at the North Minneapolis location. Participants may park in any open space. A study team member will meet you in the lobby.

Compensation:

• Participants get to keep a Fitbit provided as part of the study and will receive up to $75 if all visits are completed.

Deadline for volunteer application: IMMEDIATE

To register for this activity:

Email the study team at sittingresearch@umn.edu OR call at 612-626-5823.