The effect of text reminders on the uptake of the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme after gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy. Even though it usually fades after birth, it raises your chances of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. The NHS runs a free, nine-month Diabetes Prevention Programme to support healthy eating, weight loss, and exercise. However, many women who are eligible never sign up. This study, led by the University of Oxford, is testing whether a friendly text message reminder from your GP practice can help more women join the programme. If your doctor's surgery takes part, you might receive a text message explaining how to sign up. You do not need to attend extra clinic visits or take any new medications for the trial. Researchers hope this simple step will make it easier for busy mothers to access the care and advice they deserve.
نظرة سريعة
ما هو موضوع هذه الدراسة؟
During pregnancy, some women develop high blood sugar levels. This is known as gestational diabetes. While blood sugar usually returns to normal after giving birth, having this condition means you are significantly more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong condition that can affect your heart, eyesight, and nerves, but making healthy lifestyle changes can dramatically lower this risk.
To help people stay well, the NHS created the Diabetes Prevention Programme. This is a free, nine-month course that offers personalised support with healthy eating, being more active, and managing stress. Even though women with past gestational diabetes are entitled to join, many never do. Life with a young family can be very busy, and people often do not realise they are eligible or forget to book a spot.
This clinical study aims to fix that. Researchers at the University of Oxford want to find out if sending a simple text message reminder from your local GP surgery makes a difference. The goal is to see if these gentle nudges help more women sign up for and complete the prevention course.
By taking part, GP practices can learn the best ways to communicate with their patients. If sending text reminders proves successful, it could become standard practice across the UK, helping thousands of mothers protect their long-term health and prevent type 2 diabetes.
النقاط الرئيسية
- Tests whether GP text reminders help women join the free NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.
- Aimed at women aged 18 and over who had gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
- Requires no extra hospital visits, blood tests, or new medications.
- Joining the prevention programme is voluntary and helps lower your chance of getting type 2 diabetes.
- Your routine medical care and GP services stay the same throughout the study.
من قد يكون مؤهلاً؟
This study focuses on women aged 18 and older who had gestational diabetes during a past pregnancy and are registered at a participating GP surgery in England.
You cannot take part if you have already been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or if you have already attended the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme. You will also not be included if your blood tests showed high blood sugar levels in the last 12 months, as you may need different medical care.
Finally, women who have asked their GP not to send text messages, people receiving end-of-life care, and those who have opted out of NHS health research will not be contacted.
هل يمكن أن تناسبك هذه الدراسة؟
أجب عن هذه الأسئلة السريعة لترى ما إذا كنت مؤهلاً. هذا دليل فقط - الفريق البحثي هو الذي يتخذ القرار النهائي.
- I am a woman aged 18 or older.
- I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes during a past pregnancy.
- I do not have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
- I have not already completed the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.
- I am happy to receive text messages from my GP surgery.
ماذا يتضمن المشاركة؟
Because this study tests a communication method, taking part is very simple. There are no hospital visits, no blood tests, and no study medications. If your GP practice is selected to test the reminders, you will receive a text message inviting you to join the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme. If you choose to join the programme, it runs for nine months and involves group sessions or online support focusing on diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. You can decide whether or not to join the programme; joining is entirely up to you. Your normal NHS care continues exactly as usual throughout the study period, which runs from 2026 to 2028.
المخاطر والفوائد المحتملة
المواقع (12)
- Freeman Road Hospitalالمدينة فقطNewcastle upon Tyne, England
- مستشفى جامعة سانت جيمستقريبيليدز، إنجلترا
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trustالمدينة فقطمانشستر، إنجلترا
- مستشفى ليستر الملكيتقريبيليستر، إنجلترا
- New Cross HospitalتقريبيWolverhampton, England
- Norfolk & Norwich University Hospitalغير مؤكدنورويتش، إنجلترا
- مؤسسة بارتس الصحية التابعة لهيئة الخدمات الصحية الوطنيةغير مؤكدلندن، إنجلترا
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trustغير مؤكدلندن، إنجلترا
- Southampton General Hospitalغير مؤكدSouthampton, England
- Royal Surrey County Hospitalغير مؤكدGuildford, England
- مؤسسة مستشفيات جامعة بريستول وويستون التابعة لهيئة الخدمات الصحية الوطنيةغير مؤكدBristol, England
- Royal Devon & Exeter Foundation Hospitalغير مؤكدExeter, England
أسئلة شائعة
Will I have to pay for the Diabetes Prevention Programme?
No. The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is completely free of charge.
Do I have to sign up if I get a text message?
No. The text message is an invitation. You can choose whether or not you would like to join the programme.
Will this study affect my regular GP appointments?
Not at all. Your usual doctor visits, prescriptions, and medical care will continue exactly as normal.
What happens during the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme?
It is a nine-month course that offers friendly, practical advice on healthy eating, gentle exercise, and managing weight, either in local group sessions or through an app.
How did the researchers find my information?
Researchers did not look at your records directly. Your own GP surgery uses its existing records to identify who is eligible and sends out the messages securely.
كيفية معرفة المزيد
Moscho Michalopoulou
تحدث دائمًا إلى طبيبك العام أو الأخصائي قبل اتخاذ قرار بالمشاركة في دراسة.
هل أنت مهتم بالمشاركة؟
نقاش
مناقشة المجتمع
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