Evaluating the efficacy of a GP led pre diabetes intervention targeting lifestyle modification

Abstract

The work detailed in this thesis is concerned primarily with preventing the development of Type 2 Diabetes in a population of patients in North Ceredigion considered at increased risk of developing the condition. In collaboration with the Hywel Dda University Health board, this research examined the efficacy of GP led pre-diabetes intervention targeting life-style modification, firstly by means of a service evaluation and secondly by a randomised control trial. This is the first known diabetes prevention service of its kind to be delivered and evaluated in Wales. Dietary and physical activity behaviours strongly influence the risk of Type 2 Diabetes and therefore work was also undertaken to develop more effective ways of monitoring such lifestyle behaviours in at risk groups, given self-report questionnaires relating to diet and physical activity are prone to bias and reporting inaccuracies. This was achieved by developing a low burden protocol for monitoring diet using urine metabolomics technology. Research has shown metabolites present in urine can be reflective of dietary intake and therefore this methodology was tested in patients at risk of Type 2 diabetes to assess any dietary change following lifestyle advice. Levels of physical activity were also closely monitored using activity trackers in the randomised control trial

Date of Award	2019
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Aberystwyth University
Supervisor	Rhys Thatcher (Supervisor) & Simon Payne (Supervisor)