Type 2 diabetes study allows adults to participate from home

Ground-breaking research on type 2 diabetes medication means patients in Kent, Surrey and Sussex and across the UK can take part in a diabetes study from home.

The study is testing whether an anti-diabetic medication named oral semaglutide reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes, in adults aged 55 and above with type 2 diabetes who have not suffered a heart attack or stroke.

Its unique design means interactions between research nurses and patients are completely virtual, with participants receiving trial medication through the post.

The trial, named ASCEND PLUS, is sponsored by Oxford University and delivered in the region by Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH), with the support of the NIHR Clinical Research Network Kent, Surrey and Sussex (CRN KSS). CRN KSS is currently the highest recruiting CRN nationally for this study.

Ed Rippingale-Combes (pictured right), Senior Clinical Research Nurse, who has a fundamental role in coordinating ASCEND Plus at SASH, said: “This is an interesting study to be a part of because of its remote nature. Nurses assess patients over the phone and communicate with Oxford University and hospitals across the country through the use of innovative technology.

“Patients have reacted really positively to this research. It gives them an opportunity to try a treatment that could improve their future health, which they may not have been able to try otherwise. It also gives patients lots of control and flexibility - they don’t have to worry about being home for a delivery; it just arrives through their door.”

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, a condition that occurs when a person's blood glucose is too high. When diagnosed, the patient receives advice on how to modify their diet and lifestyle to control their glucose levels. Metformin is a widely prescribed glucose-lowering drug that is usually recommended early after diagnosis.

Ed added: “Over 750 patients in the south east are now taking part and benefiting from close follow-ups with research nurses via telephone calls. We’ve put SASH and CRN KSS on the map for diabetes research which has felt hugely important. Hopefully we’ll reap the benefits of this study, and I feel proud of what we’ve achieved so far.”

Dr Ben Field (pictured left), Principal Investigator for the study at SASH, said: “Type 2 diabetes can cause many complications for patients, both short and long term. What we want to find out is whether it’s appropriate to prescribe oral semaglutide (the trial drug) early after diagnosis, in addition to standard treatment, to protect patients against heart attacks, strokes and circulatory problems.

“If we know that people with type 2 diabetes can have their risk of cardiovascular problems reduced in future by taking this class of medication, then that really could change clinical practice across the world. It’s a huge UK clinical trial. Together with CRN KSS, SASH has put a huge amount of work into recruiting for this trial, and I’m enormously grateful to Ed for coordinating that effort so effectively.”

You can find more information about the study on the ASCEND PLUS website. Find a study or register to take part in research in Kent, Surrey and Sussex on the Be Part of Research website.