CompletedInterventional

A pilot study evaluating two continuous glucose monitoring education strategies for adults with type 2 diabetes in primary care

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are small sensors worn on the arm that track blood sugar day and night. While common for people using insulin, less is known about the best way to introduce them to people who manage type 2 diabetes without insulin. This study at Country Park Practice compares two ways of teaching patients about CGMs. One group wears a sensor for around 15 days and sees their readings straight away. The other group wears a sensor without seeing the numbers first, reviews the results with a clinician, and then wears a second sensor with live readings. The goal is to see which teaching method works best and how comfortable patients feel using these devices. The findings will help doctors design larger diabetes studies and improve everyday primary care support.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Country Park Practice

Enrolment target

Start

25 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

14 Aug 2026

Type 2 diabetes

What is this study about?

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition where the body struggles to manage blood sugar levels properly. Over time, high blood sugar can raise the risk of serious health problems, including heart disease, kidney damage, and sight issues. Making changes to diet, exercise, and daily habits can help, but it is not always easy to know how everyday choices affect blood sugar from hour to hour.

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) involves wearing a small, discreet sensor on the skin. It tracks sugar levels throughout the day and night, giving people an immediate view of how their bodies respond to meals and physical activity. While CGMs are widely used by people who take insulin, there is limited guidance on the best way for GP surgeries to introduce them to adults managing type 2 diabetes with lifestyle changes or non-insulin medications.

This pilot study, called FOCUS-CGM, is exploring two different ways to help patients learn from these sensors. By testing how easy and helpful patients find each approach, the research team hopes to improve future diabetes care and guide larger NHS clinical trials. The ultimate aim is to empower people with type 2 diabetes to feel more confident in managing their health.

Key takeaways

The study tests two different ways of teaching people with type 2 diabetes to use glucose sensors.
It is open to adults aged 35 to 70 registered at Country Park Practice who do not take insulin.
Participants wear a small skin sensor for either two or four weeks depending on their assigned group.
The trial involves questionnaires, a review with a healthcare professional, and checking your routine blood test records a year later.
Taking part is voluntary, low risk, and designed to help you better understand your body's sugar levels.

Who may be eligible?

You may be able to join this study if you are aged between 35 and 70, have had type 2 diabetes for more than a year, and are registered as a patient at Country Park Practice in the UK. Your recent blood sugar test (HbA1c) must fall within a specific range (59 to 86 mmol/mol), showing that your diabetes could benefit from extra support. You must also be able to understand English and be willing to wear a sensor and attend appointments.

You will not be eligible if you take insulin, have type 1 diabetes, or have used a personal continuous glucose monitor before. The study is also not suitable for people who are pregnant, or those who have severe health conditions or memory problems that make it hard 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.

I am between 35 and 70 years old.
I have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for at least one year.
I am registered as a patient at Country Park Practice.
I do not use insulin to treat my diabetes.
I have never used a personal continuous glucose monitor (CGM) before.
I am not pregnant.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part, you will be placed into one of two groups by chance (like flipping a coin). If you are in Group A, you will wear a sensor for about 15 days, view your blood sugar levels in real time, receive standard guidance, and attend a review appointment. Your involvement will last around 4 to 5 weeks. If you are in Group B, you will wear a sensor for 15 days without seeing the numbers. A clinician will then review the data with you, after which you will wear a second sensor for 15 days with live readings. This takes about 8 to 10 weeks.

Everyone will fill out questionnaires about their thoughts and feelings during the study. A few people may be asked to take part in a short, optional interview. No new medications are given. About 12 months later, the research team will check your routine blood sugar records at your GP surgery, meaning you will not need any extra blood tests or clinic visits for long-term follow-up.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part may help you learn useful insights into how your diet, exercise, and daily routines change your blood sugar, which could help you manage your condition better. The physical risks are very low, though you might experience slight skin redness, itching, or mild discomfort where the sensor is attached. Looking at blood sugar numbers can occasionally cause brief worry, but the practice team will be available to answer questions and support you. Your participation is completely voluntary, and you are free to leave the study at any point without it affecting your standard NHS care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Country Park Practice
City only
London, England

Common questions

Does wearing a continuous glucose monitor hurt?

Applying the sensor uses a tiny, quick needle, but once attached, most people feel very little or no pain at all while wearing it.

Will I have to pay for the sensor?

No, the sensors used in the study are provided free of charge through sample programmes.

Can I choose which group I am in?

No. A computer places participants into groups at random to make sure the comparison is fair and scientifically sound.

Will taking part change my current diabetes medicines?

No. The study only looks at education and glucose monitoring. Your usual GP team will continue to look after your regular prescriptions.

What happens if I decide to leave the study early?

You can leave the study at any time without giving a reason. Your routine healthcare and relationship with your GP practice will not be affected.

How to find out more

Nkiruka Ofokansi

nikki.ofokansi@nhs.net +44 (0)2037640664 Official trial record

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