It is well known that diet and physical activity are important aspects of diabetes management. Current dietary recommendations from the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) include choosing carbohydrate foods with low glycemic index, lower dietary fat and cholesterol intake, and increasing fiber (through increasing fruit and vegetable intake). The CDA also recommends at least 150 minutes of weekly moderate to vigorous physical activity, and to engage in resistance training on 3 days per week. Previous research by ACHORD shows that many adults with type-2 diabetes do not meet these recommendations.
Given that meeting these recommendations is problematic, it is important to understand how best to support people living with type-2 diabetes in achieving them. This study will gather more information about diet, physical activity and sleep behaviours among people with type-2 diabetes, aiming to identify any dietary or physical activity factors that may influence the progression of diabetes and the development of complications.
If you have received an invitation to participate in this study, we are asking you to contact us to enroll. Please sign the letter and use the pre-paid envelope to mail it back to us. If you choose to enroll, you will be asked to record all foods and beverages consumed over a 3-day period. You will also be asked to wear an accelerometer (motion sensor) to measure your level of activity and sleep over a 24-hour period for 7 days. There is no cost to participate; however you must return the accelerometer once you’ve completed your wear time. For detailed instructions on filling out the food record please watch this short video and wearing the accelerometer, please watch this short video.
You can call us toll-free at 1-855-819-ABCD (2223) or email achord@ualberta.ca if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you again for participating in this important research!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I wear the accelerometer?
Please place the accelerometer on the waist band provided and wear it over your right hip, fastening it snuggly. At bedtime, transfer the accelerometer to the wrist strap and wear it on your wrist. In the morning, transfer back to the waist band. Try to wear the accelerometer as much as possible during the 7 days. Please click here to watch a short video on how to wear the accelerometer.
Do I have to pay to participate and get the accelerometer?
There is no cost to participate, however, you must return the accelerometer once you’ve completed your wear time.
How do I mail back the accelerometer?
Your package includes a PRE-PAID self-addressed return envelope. Please mail back the accelerometer using this envelope. You can put it in any Canada Post mailbox. You do not need to go to the post office.
When do I mail back the accelerometer?
The accelerometer has a limited battery life, and other participants are awaiting their chance to wear it. Please mail it back in as timely a manner as possible after completing your wear time and log. Thank you.
When do I wear the accelerometer? When do I take off the accelerometer?
Please wear the accelerometer as much as you can. Take it off when showering, bathing, or swimming, as it is not waterproof. If you remove the accelerometer for more than 20 min, record the time and reason why in your log book.
I forgot to wear my accelerometer, what do I do?
If you forgot to wear your accelerometer for a long period of time (an entire day or night) don’t be overly concerned, simply try to make up for this missing time with an equal amount of additional wear time at the end of your wear time period. For example, if you set out to wear the accelerometer Sunday thru Saturday, but forget put the accelerometer on for most of the day Wednesday, simply where it an extra day longer (ie. the upcoming Sunday) than you initially intended. While the battery life in the accelerometer is limited it should be sufficient to accommodate an extra wear time day or two without much problem. Please accurately record the time you had your accelerometer on in the log book and this is very helpful. If at any time you have questions about this please feel free to contact us.
What data do you get from the sensor?
Basically the sensor simply collects and records speed and direction of movement as you wear it. This information is analyzed and translated into graphs like those below. The two graphs show two days of accelerometer record. The top graph is a good example of someone wearing the accelerometer for an entire day, with spikes indicating activity and intensity. The bottom graph is an example of someone who wore the accelerometer very little after 8:00am in the morning, and virtually no useful data is provided for analysis.
How do I record my food and drinks?
Please write down all food and drinks you consume during the time of your food record keeping. Please refer to the booklet for portion size references. Make sure to record all condiments, sauces and other flavour enhancers (e.g. salt, cream, etc.) and be as detailed as you can, including brand names. For example, write whole wheat bread instead of bread. Please click here to watch a short video on how to record food and drinks.
I ate at a restaurant/fast food today, how do I record what I ate?
Please record it as you ate it, labeling the restaurant if you can. For example, 1 Big Mac with cheese, MacDonalds; ½ large fries, MacDonalds; 1 large coke, MacDonalds.
I forgot to write down my portions, what do I do?
Please refer to the booklet for portion sizes and write them down when you can. If you have already mailed us your booklet, please call us.
What if I have more questions or concerns?
If you have any questions about the study, please call 1-855-819-ABCD (2223) or email achord@ualberta.ca. You may also contact the investigators listed below.
If you have any concerns or questions about your rights as a study participant, you may contact the University of Alberta Health Research Ethics Boards at (780) 492-0302. This office has no affiliation with the investigators.
Who are the researchers of this study?
| Principle Investigator: | Dr. Jeff Johnson | (780) 248-1010 |
| Co-Investigator: | Dr. Steven Johnson | (877) 848-6903 |
| Project Coordinator (Nutrition) | Nonsi Mathe | (780) 492-9257 |