Helping Couples Communicate Better: Does This Help Persons With Type 2 Diabetes Respond Better to a Step Count Prescription?
This study aims to help people with Type 2 Diabetes become more active by increasing their daily steps. We know that being active helps manage blood sugar and heart health. Participants will get a step counter and work with their doctor to set step goals. Their partners will also get a step counter and goals. Half of the couples will receive special online or in-person sessions with a counsellor to learn how to communicate and support each other more effectively. Researchers want to see if these sessions help couples achieve higher step counts and better blood sugar control. The study will also explore if this approach works differently for couples with various relationship styles or body sizes.
At a glance
What is this study about?
If you have Type 2 Diabetes, keeping active is a really important part of managing your health, helping with blood sugar control and heart health. This study is exploring a new way to help people with Type 2 Diabetes increase their daily walking. We know that sometimes, even when you want to be more active, it can be tricky to stick with it.
The idea behind this study is that your partner could be a great support! Partners often have similar activity levels, and if one person has Type 2 Diabetes, their partner might also be at a higher risk of developing it. So, working together could be good for both of you. However, not all couples find it easy to talk about health goals and support each other effectively. This study wants to see if teaching couples how to communicate more kindly and effectively can help.
Everyone taking part will get a step counter to track their steps and will work with their doctor to set step goals, a bit like a 'step prescription.' Both you and your partner will get step counters and goals. Then, some couples will be chosen by chance (like flipping a coin) to take part in special online or in-person sessions with a counsellor. These sessions are designed to help you and your partner learn how to communicate and work together better. The researchers will then see if the couples who have these sessions end up walking more and have better blood sugar control compared to those who don't. They will also look at whether this approach works better for certain types of couples, for example, based on their relationship style or if both partners carry extra weight.
Key takeaways
- The study aims to help people with Type 2 Diabetes be more active.
- It involves using step counters and setting walking goals with your doctor.
- Your partner will also be involved in supporting your health journey.
- Some couples will get special counselling to improve communication and teamwork.
- The study explores how effective this support is for different types of couples.
- Increased activity can lead to better blood sugar control and heart health.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to have Type 2 Diabetes and be at least 45 years old. You also need to be living with your partner (of any sex) for two years or more.
It's important that neither you nor your partner have any walking difficulties or other health conditions that would make it hard to walk. You and your partner should also be willing to make a short video recording of a conversation between you to help the researchers understand your communication styles.
Finally, you and your partner both need to have a smartphone and access to the internet to take part in the study.
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.
- Do you have Type 2 Diabetes?
- Are you 45 years old or older?
- Have you been living with your partner for two or more years?
- Do both you and your partner have a smartphone and internet access?
- Can both you and your partner walk without difficulty?
- Are you and your partner willing to make a short video of a conversation?
What does participation involve?
If you take part in this study, you and your partner will both receive a step counter to track your daily steps. You will work with your doctor to set step goals, aiming to increase how much you walk.
Half of the couples in the study will be randomly selected to participate in online or in-person counselling sessions. These sessions will focus on improving communication and how you support each other. You and your partner will attend these sessions together. Throughout the study, researchers will be checking your step counts and will also monitor blood sugar levels (HbA1c) for the person with Type 2 Diabetes. The total duration of participation will be explained in full detail by the study team.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (3)
- St. Mary's HospitalVerified postcodeMontreal, Canada· Not yet recruiting
- Jewish General HospitalVerified postcodeMontreal, Canada· Not yet recruiting
- McGill University Health CentreVerified postcodeMontreal, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a 'step prescription'?
It's like a goal set with your doctor for how many steps you should try to take each day to help improve your health.
How long will the study last?
The full duration of the study will be explained to you by the research team when they provide more information.
Do both partners have to have Type 2 Diabetes?
No, only one partner needs to have Type 2 Diabetes. However, both partners will be involved in the study.
What if my partner and I don't communicate well already?
That's exactly what the study aims to explore! Some couples in the study will receive sessions to help them communicate more effectively.
Will I have to pay for anything?
The details regarding any costs or reimbursements will be provided by the study team.
How to find out more
Debora Rosa, BSc
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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