Development of a group structured education programme to support safe exercise in people with Type 1 diabetes: the EXTOD education programme. Issue 6 (31st July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Narendran, P.; Greenfield, S.; Troughton, J.; Doherty, Y.; Quann, N.; Thompson, C.; Litchfield, I.; Andrews, R. C.
• Is Part Of: Diabetic medicine. Volume 37:Issue 6(2020)
• Page Start: 945
• Page End: 952
• Publication Date: 2019-07-31
• Subjects: Diabetes -- Periodicals; 616.462
• DOI: 10.1111/dme.14064
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0742-3071

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: To develop a structured education programme for individuals with Type 1 diabetes who are engaging in regular exercise. Method: A multidisciplinary team of experts in supporting exercise and physical activity for people with Type 1 diabetes, alongside researchers with experience of developing self‐management education, developed an exercise programme using the Medical Research Council framework. The programme was informed by a review of the evidence relating to Type 1 diabetes and exercise, the behaviour change literature (including the behaviour change taxonomy), and qualitative interviews with stakeholders. The programme and supporting resources were refined using an iterative process of testing, delivery and collecting feedback from participants and the wider development team. Results: The outcome of the intervention development was the design of a feasible and acceptable intervention for people with Type 1 diabetes to support safe exercise. The pilot allowed refinement of the intervention prior to testing in a two‐site feasibility randomized controlled trial. Key findings from the pilot informed minor restructuring of the timetable (timings and order) and adaptation of supporting educational materials (participant handbook and teaching materials). Conclusion: The 'EXercise in people with Type One Diabetes' (EXTOD) education programme has been developed using robust methodology for the generation of educational interventions. It now needs testing in a randomized controlled trial. What's new?: Currently there is no dedicated structured education programme that supports the management of Type 1 diabetes for exercise. A self‐management education programme to support safe and effective exercise for people with Type 1 diabetes has been developed using the Medical Research Council framework. In the exercise programme we developed, participants were able to adjust their regimens and plan their exercise in a more structured way. The programme was delivered by trained healthcare professionals, meaning it can be embedded into the specialist care setting. If demonstrated to be effective, this programme could potentially expand currently available support for adults with Type 1 diabetes who wish to exercise.