The Seafarers' Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems Study
This study, called 'The Seafarers' Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems Study,' is for marine professionals in the UK who manage their diabetes with insulin. Historically, certain jobs like seafaring have been difficult for people with diabetes due to safety concerns. However, modern diabetes treatments, including advanced insulin and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, are changing this. This study aims to understand how these modern monitors help seafarers manage their blood sugar levels safely while working. By providing a CGM device for a year and using a special app, researchers will collect information to show that these devices can support seafarers in their jobs. The goal is to provide evidence that helps more people with insulin-treated diabetes pursue seafaring careers safely, balancing individual rights with public safety at sea.
At a glance
What is this study about?
For a long time, having diabetes that needed insulin treatment could make it hard to get certain jobs, especially those that involve safety, like driving, flying, or working at sea. This was because of worries about blood sugar levels getting too low, which could affect someone's ability to do their job safely. However, with lots of new developments in diabetes care, like better insulins and clever devices that continuously check blood sugar, attitudes are changing.
Now, organisations like the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) are looking at how these new technologies can help people with diabetes work in these important roles. This study focuses on marine professionals – people who work on ships or boats. It wants to see how a specific type of device, called a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), helps seafarers manage their blood sugar levels throughout their day, especially when they are working at sea. The goal is to gather information to show that managing diabetes with these devices is safe and effective in this environment.
By taking part, you'll help researchers understand the real-world benefits of using CGMs for seafarers. This information could lead to more flexible rules and opportunities for people with insulin-treated diabetes to pursue seafaring careers, ensuring that individual abilities are considered rather than general assumptions about diabetes.
Key takeaways
- Study for UK marine professionals with insulin-treated diabetes.
- Aims to prove safety of modern glucose monitors (CGMs) for working at sea.
- Participants receive a free CGM for 12 months.
- Requires using a smartphone app to log blood sugar & activities.
- Information gathered could open more career opportunities for seafarers with diabetes.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older who are marine professionals in the UK. You need to have diabetes that is treated with insulin.
To join, you must also have a current medical certificate (like an ML5 or ENG1) that says you are fit to work at sea. You should be willing to wear a Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) device for a full year and be able to use a special app on your smartphone to record your blood sugar readings and activities while at sea. This means you need to be comfortable using technology for your diabetes management.
You cannot join if you are not within the age range (18 or older) or if you are unable to use a CGM device to monitor your blood sugar levels.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have diabetes and use insulin?
- Do you have a current UK medical certificate (ML5 or ENG1) to work at sea?
- Are you willing and able to wear a Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) device for a year?
- Do you have a smartphone and are you willing to use an app to record your health data while at sea?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to join, you will be in the study for a total of 12 months. During this time, you will be given a specific Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) device (called the Dexcom G7®) to wear for free. This device will continuously measure your blood sugar levels.
You will also receive a special app, called 'Fishers Watch,' to install on your own smartphone. You will use this app to record when your blood sugar levels are too high or too low, as well as details about your daily activities and when you are working at sea. It's really important to log these details regularly, as it helps the researchers understand how your diabetes management works in real-life situations. There are no visits required; all data collection is done through the CGM device and the app.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University of Surrey FHMS Nutritional SciencesGuildford, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)?
A CGM is a small device you wear on your body that continuously measures your blood sugar levels throughout the day and night without needing finger-prick tests.
Do I need to change my diabetes treatment if I join?
No, you will continue with your current insulin treatment as advised by your doctor. The study is about observing how you manage your diabetes with the CGM.
What is the 'Fishers Watch' app?
It's a free app for your smartphone that helps you easily record your blood sugar readings and activities while at sea, which helps the researchers understand your data better.
Will my personal health information be kept private?
Yes, all your personal information and health data collected during the study will be kept confidential and used only for research purposes, following strict privacy rules.
What happens after the 12 months?
After 12 months, your involvement in the study will end. You may be able to continue using a CGM if you discuss it with your healthcare team.
How to find out more
Fariba Shojaee-Moradie, Ph.D.
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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