MHealth Biometrics for Young People with Diabetes

The investigators aim to undertake a feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) to investigate whether mHealth technology, allowing biometric informed feedback and coaching on exercise and PA, can be effective in children with diabetes. The overall objective is to have an evidence-based exercise and PA intervention ready to evaluate in a future RCT.

Staff from the Children's Diabetes team at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will identify patients during routine multidisciplinary team (MDT) clinics. 30 young people with diabetes will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of two groups (Active control n=15, Intervention n=15). Following baseline measures all patients will then complete the 12 week Here for Health (HfH) Healthy lifestyle programme designed by the Diabetes team at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Following the initial HfH intervention period assessments will be repeated (T2) before a second 12 week intervention period is completed. Active control patients will receive no further input. The intervention group will be provided with exercise counselling and to support this they will also be provide with a wristwatch that can monitor everyday activity and their heart rate, a smartphone app and access to a website. The intervention group will also participate in 5 consultations with an exercise specialist to plan their exercise programme and be updated on their progress towards physical activity targets. Weekly text message updates will also provide feedback to the intervention group with participants able to respond to these updates. Following the second intervention period assessments will be repeated for a final time (T3). Testing at baseline and following the 2 interventions will include changes in physical activity, blood pressure, glycaemia control, body composition and diet.