The recent large rise in the number of people suffering from Type 2 diabetes is closely linked to the increase in obesity within the population and is thought to be due to a lack of exercise and an increase in food intake. 

Dr Rob Andrews, leading the programme from the University of Bristol, said: The study aims to show how much benefit can be gained from increased physical activity and/or improved diet in the early stages of this condition. Although diet and exercise are essential to the management of diabetes, very little is known about how much these factors affect glucose levels, blood pressure and cholesterol. 

"The study aims to show how much benefit can be gained from increased physical activity and/or improved diet in the early stages of this condition." Dr Rob Andrews

Over the next 18 months the study will recruit 750 people from across the Southwest who are between the ages of 30 and 80 and who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes within the last 6 months.  Individuals will be allocated to 1 of 3 groups.  Participants in the exercise group will be asked to wear an activity monitor all day everyday.  This monitor will provide them with information about how many calories they are burning as they go about their daily business.  Using the monitor, patients will be set targets to aim for such that they gradually increase the amount of exercise they do.

Funded by Diabetes UK and the NHS, the study aims to assess the effect of increased physical activity and/or improved diet in the early years of Type 2 diabetes.  The programme is a joint venture between 3 departments at the University of Bristol: the Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrated Neuroscience and Endocrinology, the Department of Exercise & Health Sciences, and Primary Health Care. 

The Early ACTID Group (Early ACTivity In Diabetes) is now recruiting volunteers for the study. If you are between 30-80 years old, have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes within the last 6 months, and would like to know more about the study, please contact Alastair Norcross, the Study Co-ordinator for an information pack on 0117 928 2440 or visit www.bristol.ac/earlyactid. 

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