ACTIVATE  ( CPMS: 57291, IRAS 326885)

UPDATED - 07/08/2026

STUDY SUMMARY

Background: There are approximately 17,000 people living within the Milton Keynes (MK) area with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Many of these will not undertake the recommended levels of physical activity (PA) despite the numerous benefits PA is associated with. Increasing PA within this population is linked to; improved secondary indicators of risk of disease progression (HbA1c, blood pressure, BMI, and blood lipids) and protection against complications such as heart disease and stroke (1,2), reducing risk of cardiovascular mortality of up to 40% in adults (3). 

Technology-based interventions have recently grown over the last decade. Previous studies have shown these to be attractive as they support people to be active. Interventions to address physical inactivity that is suited to the demands of modern lifestyles are needed to reach large patient populations at scale.

Aim: To test the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of a digital health incentive scheme (physical activity behaviour change smartphone app paired with a physical activity tracker and financial incentives) designed to increase physical activity on HbA1c and quality of life amongst people living with T2DM in MK.

Study design: A two-arm 24-month individually randomised controlled trial (RCT)

Group 1 - Intervention from Day 0 for 2 years

Group 2 - No intervention from Day 0 to 1 year. After 12/12 Diabetic review, intervention till end of year 2

INCLUSION  CRITERIA

● Aged ≥ 18 years.

● Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (based on WHO criteria e.g., HbA1c ≥ 48 mmol/mol or 6.5%)

● Time since their last HbA1c measure

● Able to provide informed consent.

● Own and use a mobile phone capable of hosting the ACTIVATE App

● Agreement that the study team can notify their healthcare practitioner of their involvement

in the study (if applicable).

● Physically mobile/able to be physically active

● MK resident and registered with an Milton Keynes GP or the Milton Keynes Integrated Diabetes Services

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

● Aged ≥ 18 years.

● Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (based on WHO criteria e.g., HbA1c ≥ 48 mmol/mol or 6.5%)

● Time since their last HbA1c measure

● Able to provide informed consent.

● Own and use a mobile phone capable of hosting the ACTIVATE App

● Agreement that the study team can notify their healthcare practitioner of their involvement

in the study (if applicable).

● Physically mobile/able to be physically active

● MK resident and registered with an MK GP or the MK Integrated Diabetes Services

Study Resources

Access for the SystmOne and EMIS study resources can be requested below.

For further guidance on using the resources, please refer to the guidance documents and further useful information on the PRIDES page.

The searches have been created with the study specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. 

If you require any further information or help, please contact the IT Specialists:

EMIS: Jodie Button – jodie.button@nihr.ac.uk 

SystmOne:  Sharon Harper - sharon.harper2@nhs.net

Disclaimer:

Please note the resources provided are designed to assist with the identification of potentially suitable patients and to appropriately code these patients if required.

These resources have been developed based on the criteria provided by the relevant study team and whilst every effort has been made to make them universally implementable they rely on read codes and the data stored in the individual practice's clinical system. These resources are intended to assist with identification but should be used in conjunction with clinical oversight and a clear understanding of the study parameters.

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