Flinders University researchers will explore whether electronic reminders can help reduce evening snacking in people with type 2 diabetes, thanks to new funding from the South Australian Government.
The project, a partnership between Flinders University, Diabetes SA and the University of Adelaide, is one of five projects to share in $260,000 through Wellbeing SA’s Chronic Disease Integrated Partnership Grants.
Associate Professor Niranjan Bidargaddi from Flinders University’s College of Medicine and Health and Professor Eva Kemps from the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work are investigators on the research.
Associate Professor Bidargaddi says they will test if timely delivery of support via electronic ‘nudges’ will reduce snacking in the evening – when people typically experience the urge to snack – thereby improving glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes.
Patients’ glucose levels will be continuously monitored close to the potential snacking event, with the nudge to be delivered just prior.
“The pilot study will provide the data needed to design the nudges with precision, including when, what and for whom,” says Associate Professor Bidargaddi.
“The research is to establish proof of concept, and it has the potential to be widely translatable to various populations and behaviours. For example, a nudge could also be used to encourage healthy behaviours such as choosing healthy snacks instead of high calorie snacks whilst grocery shopping.
“Such interventions can potentially address many situations when people are likely to engage in unhealthy behaviour.”
South Australian Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the funded projects will build on ways to support people in self-management of their chronic conditions and increase the collaboration between health care providers in our hospitals and the community.
“We are pleased to be supporting these organisations and I am looking forward to seeing how these projects unfold,” said Minister Wade.
Wellbeing SA Chief Executive, Lyn Dean, said the grants are designed to build on existing services and programs that will enhance partnerships between Primary Health Networks, Local Health Networks, General Practice, government and non-government organisations and the community.
“These grants align to our chronic disease, integrated care and injury prevention focus set out in the Wellbeing SA Strategic Plan and aim to improve integration and quality healthcare for people living with chronic conditions through a partnership-based approach,” Ms Dean said
The successful projects are expected to run until December 2022.