ISRCTN ISRCTN18399564
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN18399564
Secondary identifying numbers CPMS 36457
Submission date
09/07/2018
Registration date
09/07/2018
Last edited
03/04/2025
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Nutritional, Metabolic, Endocrine
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data

Plain English Summary

Background and study aims
Type 2 diabetes is typically characterised as a progressive irreversible condition. However, there is evidence that people with type 2 diabetes can achieve good glucose control or even remission through weight loss. Most studies that demonstrate this have used bariatric surgery or formula diets, which are rarely commissioned in the UK because of their high cost and reliance on specialists. Standard care for people with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is structured diabetes education, which has low uptake and small, short-term effects on weight and blood glucose. The aim of this study is to find out whether a tailored diabetes education and behavioural weight management programme that can be delivered at scale achieves better glucose control and other health outcomes than education alone and whether any improvements in health and wellbeing justify the higher cost of the programme.

Who can participate?
Patients aged 18 and over who are overweight or obese and have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within the last 3 years

What does the study involve?
Participants are randomly allocated to either a structured diabetes education programme or a new programme that combines diabetes education and dietitian support with 6 months attendance at a weekly commercial weight management group (Weight Watchers). Participants are followed up at 6 months and 1 year to measure blood glucose, body weight, diet and physical activity, and use of medications and other healthcare resources, to determine which group has better changes in health outcomes and which programme offers best value for money.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Findings from this trial will inform the decisions of commissioners of services for weight management and diabetes about the most cost-effective use of limited healthcare resources.

Where is the study run from?
University of Cambridge (UK)

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
April 2018 to October 2022

Who is funding the study?
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) (UK)

Who is the main contact?
Mrs Jenny Woolston
Jenny.Woolston@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk

Study website

Contact information

Mrs Jenny Woolston
Scientific

MRC Epidemiology Unit
University of Cambridge
Box 285, Institute of Metabolic Sciences
Cambridge
CB2 0QQ
United Kingdom

Phone +44 (0)1223 769204
Email Jenny.Woolston@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk

Study information

Study designMulticentre pragmatic randomized single-blind parallel-group two-arm superiority trial
Primary study designInterventional
Secondary study designRandomised controlled trial
Study setting(s)GP practice
Study typeTreatment
Participant information sheet http://www.mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk/research/studies/glow-glucose-lowering-weight-management/
Scientific titleA single-blind, parallel-group, randomised trial to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a tailored diabetes education and behavioural weight management programme versus diabetes education, in adults with overweight or obesity and a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes
Study acronymGLoW
Study hypothesis1. A tailored diabetes education and behavioural weight management programme is more effective than diabetes education alone in helping people with a recent diagnosis of type 2 diabetes to lower their blood glucose, reduce weight, and improve other markers of cardiovascular risk.
2. A tailored diabetes education and behavioural weight management programme is more cost-effective than diabetes education alone.
Ethics approval(s)East of Scotland Research Ethics Service, 15/05/2018, ref: 18/ES/0048
ConditionOverweight and obesity, type 2 diabetes
InterventionParticipants will be randomised to either the tailored diabetes education and behavioural weight management programme or to diabetes education (standard care) in a 1:1 allocation using individual-level blocked randomisation stratified by sex (male, female) and duration of diabetes (<1 year, 1-3 years) with a block size of 6. The randomisation sequence will be computer-generated by the trial statistician and programmed by the data manager. The sequence will be unknown to all other personnel, including study coordinators, outcome assessors and investigators.

Tailored diabetes education and behavioural weight management programme arm:
The tailored structured education and behavioural weight management programme combines remote diabetes education and dietetic counselling with a supportive group-based behaviour change programme.
Triage Call: A registered dietitian will contact the participant within 2 days of receiving a referral. Alternatively, participants can call the dietitian directly. During the triage call, the dietitian will explain the programme and its potential benefits, book the patient into their first diabetes education session and send the patient a confirmation of the date/time of their appointment via email, text or letter.
Structured Diabetes Education and dietetic counselling: The core QISMET-accredited structured diabetes education programme will be delivered to participants during two sessions with a registered dietitian, with a specialist interest in diabetes (total session time 1 hr 30 minutes, divided between 2 calls). These sessions will be delivered 1:1 via telephone.
Session 1 will occur within 10 days of referral and will cover orientation and core curriculum topics. Session 2 will occur within 10 days of session 1 and will cover core curriculum topics and ways to tailor the Weight Watchers programme for diabetes. Additional self-help education materials to support the curriculum will be available online and are delivered to all participants via email or mail, depending on the preference of the patient.
Participants can also contact the dietitian proactively during the intervention period for additional support where needed (and are encouraged to do so via the Weight Watchers Coach). A closed social media group will also be formed and all participants in the TDEW arm will be invited to join if they wish to do so – the group will be monitored and supported by the registered dietitian for any questions, frequent support and group social connections. The curriculum will also be signposted to participants via this closed group to drive engagement.

Group-based behaviour change programme:
Following session 1, participants will be sent free of charge membership of Weight Watchers for 6 months. This includes access to community based meetings and digital tools, including the app.
Weight Watchers meetings are held weekly in local community settings (e.g. schools, community centres) and last approximately 1 hour. They are open-group meetings (new people may join or leave the group at any time) and are led by a coach (trained lay person with experience of changing their lifestyles and losing weight on the programme). Meetings include a confidential weigh in with the coach and a 30-minute interactive education session led by the coach that includes advice on diet, physical activity, positive mindset, using behavioural strategies (e.g. goal setting, self-monitoring, problem solving, modifying the personal food environment, and relapse prevention), and peer support is available from coaches and other group members. Participants can contact their coach for support/advice between meetings. Participants can be accompanied by a friend, relative or carer.
Participants will also have access to digital tools and online materials for the duration of the intervention. This includes food, weight and activity tracking, feedback loops, thousands of meal and recipe ideas and cooking skills, activity inspiration and videos, educational content, a closed digital community called ‘connect’ and access to an online coach 24/7 (service provided by real life coaches) for in the moment motivation and advice.

Diabetes education arm:
In the local region, the diabetes education programme commissioned by the CCG is the Diabetes and Education Self Monitoring for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed (DESMOND) programme. This is a structured diabetes education programme for people with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (<3 years since diagnosis). Participants can attend 6 hours of structured self-management group education, covering: thoughts and feelings about diabetes; understanding diabetes and glucose - what happens in the body; understanding risk factors and complications associated with diabetes; understanding monitoring and medication; how to take control - food choices and physical activity; and planning for the future. The structured education is delivered in 1 day or 2 half days by two trained healthcare professionals in local health care or community venues. Sessions are delivered in groups of up to 10 participants, and participants can bring a friend or partner with them. The education sessions are supported by specially developed resources.
Intervention typeBehavioural
Primary outcome measure12 month change from baseline in HbA1c, adjusted for baseline
Secondary outcome measures1. 6 month change from baseline in HbA1c, adjusted for baseline
2. 6 and 12 month changes from baseline, adjusted for baseline, in body weight, body fat percentage, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol
3. Probability of achieving good glycaemic control (HbA1c <53 mmol/mol) at 6 and 12 months
4. Probability of achieving remission (HbA1c <48 mmol/mol and without medication for ≥2 months) at 6 and 12 months
5. Probability of losing ≥5% and ≥10% of initial body weight at 6 and 12 months
6. Modelled cardiovascular risk (UKPDS) at 12 months
Overall study start date15/04/2018
Overall study end date01/10/2022

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Patient
Age groupAdult
Lower age limit18 Years
SexBoth
Target number of participantsPlanned Sample Size: 576; UK Sample Size: 576
Total final enrolment577
Participant inclusion criteria1. BMI ≥25kg/m2
2. Age ≥18 years
3. Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes within previous 36 months
4. Capable of giving informed consent
5. Have a good understanding of the English language (study materials are not tailored to support non-English language speakers)
6. Willing to be randomised
7. Willing to attend follow up visits at a local participating GP practice
Participant exclusion criteria1. Using insulin
2. Previous/planned bariatric surgery
3. Current/planned pregnancy
4. Current diagnosis of eating disorder
5. Already received a structured diabetes education programme
6. GP considers unsuitable
7. Participation in another structured behaviour change programme for diet and/or physical activity within the past 3 months
Recruitment start date18/07/2018
Recruitment end date06/08/2021

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • England
  • United Kingdom

Study participating centre

MRC Epidemiology Unit
University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine
Box 285, Institute of Metabolic Sciences
Cambridge Biomedical Campus
Cambridge
CB2 0QQ
United Kingdom

Sponsor information

University of Cambridge
University/education

c/o Carolyn Read
Research Governance Officer
University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine
Box 111, Cambridge Biomedical Campus
Cambridge
CB2 0SP
England
United Kingdom

Phone +44 (0)1223 769291
Email cad50@medschl.cam.ac.uk
Website http://www.cam.ac.uk/
ROR logo "ROR" https://ror.org/013meh722
NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough CCG
Hospital/treatment centre

c/o Vivienne Shaw
Lockton House
Clarendon Road
Cambridge
CB2 8FH
England
United Kingdom

Phone +44 (0)1223 725466
Email v.shaw@nhs.net

Funders

Funder type

Government

National Institute for Health Research
Government organisation / National government
Alternative name(s)
National Institute for Health Research, NIHR Research, NIHRresearch, NIHR - National Institute for Health Research, NIHR (The National Institute for Health and Care Research), NIHR
Location
United Kingdom

Results and Publications

Intention to publish date31/07/2023
Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareNo
IPD sharing plan summaryData sharing statement to be made available at a later date
Publication and dissemination planAll specified analyses will be written up as scientific papers and submitted for publication in peer-reviewed open-access journals. Members of the research team will be involved in reviewing drafts of the manuscripts, abstracts, and any other publications arising from the trial. The Principal Investigators will have final approval on all publications and any press release, where appropriate. Authorship will be determined using ICMJE criteria. Upon publication of the main findings, participants will be sent a newsletter that describes the results and gives details of who to contact to ask questions or obtain further information. Newsletters will be prepared with input from PPI representatives. Where appropriate, the trialists will communicate their findings to local and national stakeholders via tailored summaries of the key findings, and by presentations at meetings of local and national networks. Representatives from these groups will be involved in the research throughout and will support the trialists in identifying opportunities for dissemination.
IPD sharing planThe data sharing plans for the current study are unknown and will be made available at a later date.

Study outputs

Output type Details Date created Date added Peer reviewed? Patient-facing?
Statistical Analysis Plan version 9 05/10/2022 11/10/2022 No No
Statistical Analysis Plan Health Economic Analysis Plan (HEAP) for the 12-month within-trial analysis
version 1.1
19/02/2023 19/05/2023 No No
Statistical Analysis Plan Health Economic and Decision Modelling Analysis Plan (HEDMAP)
version 2.2
19/05/2023 No No
HRA research summary 28/06/2023 No No
Other publications 01/11/2023 24/11/2023 Yes No
Results article 23/01/2025 27/01/2025 Yes No

Additional files

ISRCTN18399564_SAP_V9_05Oct2022.pdf
ISRCTN18399564_v2.2_HEDMAP.pdf
Health Economic and Decision Modelling Analysis Plan (HEDMAP)
ISRCTN18399564_WTHEAP_v1.1_19Feb2023.pdf
Health Economic Analysis Plan (HEAP) for the 12-month within-trial analysis

Editorial Notes

03/04/2025: Contact details updated.
27/01/2025: Publication reference added.
24/11/2023: Publication reference added.
19/05/2023: Health Economic and Decision Modelling Analysis Plan and Within Trial Health Economic Analysis Plan files uploaded.
11/10/2022: SAP file uploaded.
28/09/2022: Internal review.
30/09/2021: The recruitment for this study is no longer paused and the following changes have been made:
1. The recruitment end date has been changed from 31/08/2020 to 06/08/2021.
2. The overall trial end date has been changed from 01/10/2021 to 01/10/2022 and the plain English summary has been updated to reflect this change.
3. The intention to publish date has been changed from 31/03/2022 to 31/07/2023.
4. The total final enrolment number has been added.
21/05/2020: Due to current public health guidance, recruitment for this study has been paused.
02/03/2020: The following changes have been made:
1. The recruitment end date has been changed from 31/03/2020 to 31/08/2020.
2. The overall trial end date has been changed from 01/06/2021 to 01/10/2021 and the plain English summary has been updated to reflect this change.
3. The intention to publish date has been changed from 30/09/2021 to 31/03/2022.
15/05/2019: The following changes have been made:
1. The recruitment end date has been changed from 30/04/2019 to 31/03/2020.
2. The overall trial end date has been changed from 15/05/2020 to 01/06/2021.
3. The intention to publish date has been changed from 01/04/2020 to 30/09/2021.
4. Emma Wells has been added as a public and scientific contact.