Patient Research
Sign in
All studies
Enrolling by invitationNAINTERVENTIONAL

Glycaemic Responses to Carbohydrate-rich Meals (GlyCarb)

The GlyCarb study explores how various carbohydrate foods, such as bread, pasta, and potatoes, impact your blood sugar levels after you eat them. We know that some foods cause bigger spikes in blood sugar than others, and over time, this can affect your health. This study aims to understand why this happens by comparing different versions of carbohydrate-rich meals. We'll be looking at how things like the food's structure (what it's like physically) make a difference. Healthy volunteers will eat specially prepared meals while wearing a small device that continuously tracks their blood sugar. The goal is to learn how to design or improve foods to help keep blood sugar levels healthy.

At a glance

Status
Enrolling by invitation
Phase
NA
Sponsor
Quadram Institute Bioscience
Enrolment target
25
Start
14 Feb 2022
Estimated completion
30 Jun 2028
Glycaemia

What is this study about?

Many of the foods we eat every day, like bread, rice, pasta, and biscuits, are rich in carbohydrates. When you eat these foods, your body breaks them down into sugar (glucose), which then goes into your blood. Scientists know that not all carbohydrate-rich foods affect your blood sugar in the same way. Some cause a quick and big rise in blood sugar, while others lead to a slower, more gradual increase. This matters for your health because regularly having large spikes in blood sugar can sometimes affect your overall health over time.

This study, called GlyCarb, wants to understand why these differences happen. Specifically, we're interested in how the physical 'structure' of a food influences how your body handles its sugar. For example, does a change in how a food is processed or prepared make a difference to your blood sugar response? We will achieve this by asking healthy people to eat two different carbohydrate-rich meals. These meals will look and taste similar and have the same amount of carbohydrates, but they'll have one key difference in how they're made or put together.

To see what happens, participants will wear a small device called a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). This device painlessly tracks your blood sugar levels throughout the day and after meals. This study is designed to be very flexible – you won't need to visit a clinic. Instead, everything, including virtual appointments, can be done from home using your smartphone. Your feedback on the meals will also be important. The information we gather will help us learn more about how to create or improve foods that support healthy blood sugar control.

Key takeaways

  • Study examines how different carbohydrate foods impact blood sugar.
  • Completely remote study – no clinic visits required.
  • Involves eating specially prepared meals and wearing a blood sugar monitor.
  • Aims to find ways to make healthier food choices.
  • Participation lasts about 10-14 days.
  • Your feedback is important for understanding food effects.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthy men and women aged 18 or older. You'll need to have a smartphone, tablet, or computer and be willing to use apps for the study. Your BMI (a measure of your weight compared to your height) should be between 18 and 30, and your long-term blood sugar levels (measured by a simple blood test) need to be within a healthy range.

However, there are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For instance, if you smoke or have stopped in the last six months, you won't be eligible. The study also isn't suitable for anyone with certain stomach or gut conditions, other serious health issues like cancer, or if you have type 1 or 2 diabetes. If you are taking certain medications or dietary supplements that could affect the study results, or if you have any food allergies or a very restrictive diet, you might also not be able to take part.

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. Are you 18 years old or older?
  2. Do you own and use a smartphone, tablet, or computer?
  3. Are you a non-smoker (and haven't smoked in the last 6 months)?
  4. Do you have any food allergies?
  5. Do you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes?
  6. Are you generally healthy with no serious long-term medical conditions?
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first have an informal chat and be given detailed information to help you understand the study fully. You'll then provide your consent, which will be recorded. You won't need to visit a clinic; all support and appointments will be virtual through video calls. Throughout the study, which will last between 10 and 14 days, you will wear a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM). This small device will track your blood sugar levels continuously. You will be asked to eat two different carbohydrate-rich test meals, each twice, on separate days, in a random order. These meals will be provided to you. You'll also be asked to complete short questionnaires about how the meals tasted and how full you felt. We'll also ask you about your usual eating habits and measure your body composition at the start. Your feedback at the end of the study about the process will be valuable.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study will help scientists gain a better understanding of how different foods affect blood sugar, which could lead to healthier food options for everyone in the future. As with any study, there are some minor risks. You might find the continuous glucose monitor slightly uncomfortable, and there's a very small chance of skin irritation from the adhesive. We will provide all necessary information about the meals, including ingredients and any potential allergens, well in advance. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.
  • Quadram Institute
    Verified postcode
    Norwich, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'glycaemic response'?

It's simply how your blood sugar changes after you eat food. Some foods cause quick, high spikes, while others lead to slower, smaller increases.

Will I need to go to a clinic?

No, you won't need to visit a clinic. All interactions and support for this study will be done remotely through virtual appointments and your smartphone.

What kind of meals will I eat?

You'll eat carbohydrate-rich meals that are specially prepared for the study. They will be similar in taste and appearance, but have a slight difference in their structure to see how it affects your blood sugar.

What is a 'Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)'?

It's a small, wearable device that painlessly measures your blood sugar levels continuously throughout the day and night.

How long will I be involved in the study?

The study will involve wearing the monitor and eating the test meals over a period of 10 to 14 days.

How to find out more

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 "Glycaemic Responses to Carbohydrate-rich Meals (GlyCarb)…" will contact you if you may be eligible. Always speak to your GP before agreeing to take part.

Discussion

Community discussion

Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.