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The effect of text reminders on the uptake of the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme after gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy. Even though it usually fades after birth, it raises your chances of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. The NHS runs a free, nine-month Diabetes Prevention Programme to support healthy eating, weight loss, and exercise. However, many women who are eligible never sign up. This study, led by the University of Oxford, is testing whether a friendly text message reminder from your GP practice can help more women join the programme. If your doctor's surgery takes part, you might receive a text message explaining how to sign up. You do not need to attend extra clinic visits or take any new medications for the trial. Researchers hope this simple step will make it easier for busy mothers to access the care and advice they deserve.

At a glance

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
University of Oxford
Enrolment target
50
Start
27 Jul 2026
Estimated completion
01 May 2027
Gestational diabetes mellitus

What is this study about?

During pregnancy, some women develop high blood sugar levels. This is known as gestational diabetes. While blood sugar usually returns to normal after giving birth, having this condition means you are significantly more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong condition that can affect your heart, eyesight, and nerves, but making healthy lifestyle changes can dramatically lower this risk.

To help people stay well, the NHS created the Diabetes Prevention Programme. This is a free, nine-month course that offers personalised support with healthy eating, being more active, and managing stress. Even though women with past gestational diabetes are entitled to join, many never do. Life with a young family can be very busy, and people often do not realise they are eligible or forget to book a spot.

This clinical study aims to fix that. Researchers at the University of Oxford want to find out if sending a simple text message reminder from your local GP surgery makes a difference. The goal is to see if these gentle nudges help more women sign up for and complete the prevention course.

By taking part, GP practices can learn the best ways to communicate with their patients. If sending text reminders proves successful, it could become standard practice across the UK, helping thousands of mothers protect their long-term health and prevent type 2 diabetes.

Key takeaways

  • Tests whether GP text reminders help women join the free NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.
  • Aimed at women aged 18 and over who had gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
  • Requires no extra hospital visits, blood tests, or new medications.
  • Joining the prevention programme is voluntary and helps lower your chance of getting type 2 diabetes.
  • Your routine medical care and GP services stay the same throughout the study.

Who may be eligible?

This study focuses on women aged 18 and older who had gestational diabetes during a past pregnancy and are registered at a participating GP surgery in England.

You cannot take part if you have already been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or if you have already attended the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme. You will also not be included if your blood tests showed high blood sugar levels in the last 12 months, as you may need different medical care.

Finally, women who have asked their GP not to send text messages, people receiving end-of-life care, and those who have opted out of NHS health research will not be contacted.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

  1. I am a woman aged 18 or older.
  2. I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes during a past pregnancy.
  3. I do not have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
  4. I have not already completed the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.
  5. I am happy to receive text messages from my GP surgery.
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Because this study tests a communication method, taking part is very simple. There are no hospital visits, no blood tests, and no study medications. If your GP practice is selected to test the reminders, you will receive a text message inviting you to join the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme. If you choose to join the programme, it runs for nine months and involves group sessions or online support focusing on diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. You can decide whether or not to join the programme; joining is entirely up to you. Your normal NHS care continues exactly as usual throughout the study period, which runs from 2026 to 2028.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no physical risks from taking part in this study, as it only involves receiving a standard text message. If you decide to join the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, the main benefit is receiving free, expert guidance to improve your health, boost your energy, and cut your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Taking part is completely voluntary. If you receive a text message, you do not have to join the programme if you do not want to, and you can opt out of GP research messages at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (12)

  • Freeman Road Hospital
    City only
    Newcastle upon Tyne, England
  • St James's University Hospital
    Approximate
    Leeds, England
  • Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
    City only
    Manchester, England
  • Leicester Royal Infirmary
    Approximate
    Leicester, England
  • New Cross Hospital
    Approximate
    Wolverhampton, England
  • Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital
    Unverified
    Norwich, England
  • Barts Health NHS Trust
    Unverified
    London, England
  • Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
    Unverified
    London, England
  • Southampton General Hospital
    Unverified
    Southampton, England
  • Royal Surrey County Hospital
    Unverified
    Guildford, England
  • University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
    Unverified
    Bristol, England
  • Royal Devon & Exeter Foundation Hospital
    Unverified
    Exeter, England

Common questions

Will I have to pay for the Diabetes Prevention Programme?

No. The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is completely free of charge.

Do I have to sign up if I get a text message?

No. The text message is an invitation. You can choose whether or not you would like to join the programme.

Will this study affect my regular GP appointments?

Not at all. Your usual doctor visits, prescriptions, and medical care will continue exactly as normal.

What happens during the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme?

It is a nine-month course that offers friendly, practical advice on healthy eating, gentle exercise, and managing weight, either in local group sessions or through an app.

How did the researchers find my information?

Researchers did not look at your records directly. Your own GP surgery uses its existing records to identify who is eligible and sends out the messages securely.

How to find out more

Moscho Michalopoulou

moscho.michalopoulou@phc.ox.ac.uk +44 (0) 186528929 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.

Interested in taking part?

Register your interest

Share your details and the research team for "The effect of text reminders on the uptake of the NHS Diabet…" will contact you if you may be eligible. Always speak to your GP before agreeing to take part.

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