The PRmotion Of Physical activity through structured Education with differing Levels of ongoing Support for those with prediabetes (PROPELS): randomised controlled trial in a diverse multi-ethnic community
A large-scale trial will test whether a structured education programme, with or without ongoing text-message and telephone support, can help 1,308 people with prediabetes become more physically active over four years. Type 2 diabetes places a heavy burden on the NHS, and physical inactivity is a major driver of the condition. Yet there is little rigorous evidence on how to help people at high risk—particularly those from south Asian backgrounds, who face disproportionately high diabetes rates—to sustain increased activity long-term. This trial directly addresses that gap. If the intervention works, it could provide primary care organisations with a pragmatic, cost-effective tool—evaluated to the same standards as a pharmaceutical—to delay or prevent progression to type 2 diabetes in a diverse, multi-ethnic population. The study also includes detailed cost-effectiveness modelling, so the NHS could assess whether to roll out such programmes at scale.
View original technical description
BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes exerts a huge health and economic burden within the United Kingdom. Increasing levels of physical inactivity are one of the main causes of the growing prevalence of type 2 diabetes. However, evidenced-based approaches to promoting increased physical activity in the prevention diabetes are lacking. This study aims to bridge this gap in the evidence. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial; follow-up at 12 & 48 months. METHODS 1308 individuals aged 40-75 years and identified with impaired glucose regulation will be recruited from the community and primary care settings in the East-Midlands and East Anglia. Around 25% of recruited participants will be from a south Asian ethnic origin. Individuals will be randomized (1:1:1) to: 1) Detailed advice leaflet (control). 2) A 3.5-hour group-based structured education programme followed by annual group-based or telephone support up to 36 months. The initial structured education session is delivered by two trained educators and aimed at targeting perceptions of IGR and promoting physical activity with pedometer use. South Asian individuals will receive the option of attending a version specifically tailored to their language and cultural needs. 3) The same behaviour change intervention as group 2, including annual group sessions, plus ongoing support delivered by telephone contact, text messaging, email, and web-based action planning facilities: weekly in the first 6 months and monthly thereafter. RESULTS and ANALYSIS Outcomes will include: objectively measured physical activity, fasting and 2-h post-challenge glucose, progression to type 2 diabetes, HbA1c, lipids, standard anthropometric measurements, diet, quality of life and depression. Detailed cost-effectiveness modelling will also be undertaken using an adaptation of the Sheffield Diabetes Model. Analysis will involve two comparisons; both intervention groups will be compared to the control group. Should any of these comparisons reveal a significant difference then a third a priori comparison will be undertaken by directly comparing intervention groups. Data will be analysed using a robust predefined plan. CONCLUSIONS This study is one of the most rigorous long-term physical activity intervention ever undertaken globally in a high risk population. It will help ensure that pragmatic evidenced-based behaviour change interventions, evaluated to the same rigorous standards as pharmaceutical products, are available for consideration by regulatory bodies and primary care organisations.
Plain English summaries and category classifications on this site are generated by AI and may not perfectly reflect the original research.
Is something wrong? Let us know