Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a growing healthcare problem in the United States that increases the risk for numerous health complications if left unidentified and untreated. Prediabetes, while not a clinical diagnosis, is a state of increased risk of developing T2DM based on elevated blood glucose laboratory markers such as hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C). There are numerous risk factors that predispose individuals to prediabetes and T2DM. Researchers have shown that targeting those risk factors that are modifiable, such as physical inactivity and obesity, with exercise and diet interventions can increase physical activity, decrease weight, decrease HbA1C, and decrease the incidence of T2DM in prediabetics.
Tools such as pedometers that track physical activity in the form of step count can be used in interventions to improve upon these metrics. Researchers have also shown that pedometers can enhance interventions aimed at improving physical activity, weight, HbA1C, and incidence of T2DM.
Recently, electronic tools that are wearable such as the Fitbit Flex2 have gained in popularity due to their additional interactive features with users. These electronic wearable devices employ behavior change techniques approved by the US Preventive Services Task Force to motivate individuals to be more physically active.
Current research has shown that these electronic wearable devices enhance interventions aimed at improving physical activity, weight loss, and HbA1C in those with T2DM. Yet, there is a gap in current research that examines the effect that these devices have on HbA1C in prediabetics. The proposed study seeks to examine if the Fitbit Flex 2 wrist device, in conjunction with a standard diet and exercise intervention, improves HbA1C measures in prediabetic individuals over a one-year period.
Results from the proposed study could support the future use of these devices to help decrease HbA1C measures and the risk of development of T2DM and other T2DM- health complications in prediabetics. Electronic wearable devices could alter the way in which clinicians monitor lifestyle interventions aimed at T2DM risk reduction and treatment. The use of electronic wearable devices may also serve as a more cost effective treatment alternative for those at risk of developing, as well as those diagnosed with, T2DM.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bu.edu/oai:open.bu.edu:2144/32965 |
| Date | 24 October 2018 |
| Creators | Gaden, Jeremy |
| Contributors | Young, Aaron, Warner, Mary |
| Source Sets | Boston University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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