Helping Couples Communicate Better: Does This Help Persons With Type 2 Diabetes Respond Better to a Step Count Prescription?
Recruiting · Montreal, Quebec
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What is this study?
Being active is one way to reach better blood sugar control and heart health in type 2 diabetes. The investigators developed a strategy to help people with type 2 diabetes walk more.
It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.
Read the full clinical description
Being active is one way to reach better blood sugar control and heart health in type 2 diabetes. The investigators developed a strategy to help people with type 2 diabetes walk more. They track their steps with a step counter and set targets with their doctor through a kind of 'step prescription.' While this strategy helps people increase their physical activity, it can be useful to have support besides the clinic visits. Their partner might be a good person to help. Partners often have similar activity levels. Partners of people with type 2 diabetes are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. There are good reasons to work together! However, not all partners communicate in a way that helps them work together effectively. The investigators are going to give a step counter and step prescriptions to a large group of people with type 2 diabetes. The partners will also receive counters and step prescriptions. Half of the couples will be randomized (assigned to a group based on something equivalent to a coin toss) to participate in online or in-person sessions with a counselor. They will work together to figure out how to communicate more kindly and effectively. The investigators will see if the people with these sessions wind up having higher steps and better sugar control than the people who do not. To figure out in which types of couples the strategy works, The investigators will also divide the couples into groups based on the type of marriage that they have (figured out through a questionnaire) and body size. The investigators will see if the counseling strategy helps in both 'high' and 'low' quality relationships and if couples where both partners have extra weight respond differently to the strategy than other couples. During the trial, if The investigators see that the strategy is not working well in one particular group of people, The investigators may recruit fewer in this group and more in the others. The investigators will do this in consultation with specialized statisticians who will look at the data at specific points in time. This is a way of making sure that the investigators are testing the right strategy in the right group, increasing the 'efficiency' and relevance of the study.
Who this study is looking for
In plain language, from the study's own rules. The study team confirms the full details with you — this isn't a final yes or no.
✅ You may be able to join if…
- •You have type 2 diabetes (T2D).
- •You are 45 years old or older.
- •You live with a partner and have done so for at least 2 years.
- •You and your partner can complete a recording of a conversation to help the study understand how couples communicate.
- •You and your partner have smartphone and internet access.
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- •You can’t join if walking is made hard by gait difficulties or other health conditions in the person with type 2 diabetes.
- •You can’t join if you (the person with type 2 diabetes) are unwilling to complete an audiovisual recording of the couple conversation.
- •You can’t join if you (the couple) don’t have smartphone and internet access for both partners.
- •You can’t join if you don’t live with your partner (or it has been less than 2 years).
Are you a good fit?
Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.
- ✓Adults roughly 45–any age
What to expect, step by step
- 1
Usually a few weeks
The study team checks whether the study is a good fit for you, with a visit and sometimes lab tests. You can ask any questions before deciding.
- 2
Treatment
If you join and choose to continue, you receive the study treatment and are watched closely by medical staff.
- 3
Follow-up
After treatment, the team checks on your health and confirms the visit schedule with you. You can leave the study at any point.
Has this treatment been tested before?
The study team can share what safety testing has been done so far.
What you need to know before you apply
What is this study testing?+
Being active is one way to reach better blood sugar control and heart health in type 2 diabetes. The investigators developed a strategy to help people with type 2 diabetes walk more.
Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+
This is a research study. Every study is reviewed and monitored by an independent ethics board (called an IRB) whose job is to protect participants, and care is overseen by licensed medical staff. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can stop at any time.
Will I get a placebo instead of the real treatment?+
Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo (an inactive version), and some don't. If this one does, the study team will explain your chances of receiving the active treatment before you decide. Nothing is hidden from you.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications?+
It depends on the study. Some let you stay on your current medications and some ask you to adjust them. Never stop a medication on your own — the study team will review everything with you first.
Does it cost anything? Will I be paid?+
Study-related care is provided at no cost to you. Some studies also pay for your time; the coordinator can tell you if this one does. You should never be asked to pay to take part.
Do I need insurance? Will anyone ask about my immigration status?+
No. You do not need health insurance to take part in a research study, and you will not be asked about your immigration status to join. Taking part is about whether you're a medical fit for the study.
What if English isn't my first language?+
You have the right to understand everything before you agree. Study sites can often provide materials or an interpreter in your language — you can ask the coordinator for one.
Is my information private?+
Yes. Your health information is only shared with the study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. It is never sold, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT07142512 · Locations: Quebec