Remote Early Type 2 Diabetes
Research Study

Researchers at the University of Virginia and University of Colorado are conducting a research study on adults newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to investigate if a new lifestyle intervention can result in a larger reduction of A1c with less use of diabetes medications.

Fast Facts

Ages 30-80

Diagnosed with
Type 2 Diabetes
in the Past 24 Months

Compensation Provided

Conducted Remotely in the US

Research Background

Healthy foods and regular physical activity are key to reduce the progression of type 2 diabetes. GEM (Glucose Everyday Matters) is a new, self-guided program which will help you to better understand the impact of foods and physical activity on your blood sugar levels, with the support of data from a continuous glucose sensor. The goal of the study is to show that GEM can result in larger reduction of A1c with fewer diabetes medications, as compared to routine diabetes care.

If you participate in the study, you will be randomly assigned to follow either GEM or routine diabetes care. Study duration is 13.5 months, with three study visits at the start, 4.5 months, and 13.5 months for both groups (i.e., GEM and routine care). Study visits can be completed in person at either the University of Virginia or the University of Colorado, or remotely; they involve blood tests, physical measurements, interviews, and questionnaires. If you are assigned to the GEM group, you will also be provided a continuous glucose sensor for at least 4.5 months and a Fitbit. You will be compensated with up to $300 if you participate in the study, regardless of the study group to which you are assigned.

Research Background

Healthy foods and regular physical activity are key to reduce the progression of type 2 diabetes. GEM (Glucose Everyday Matters) is a new, self-guided program which will help you to better understand the impact of foods and physical activity on your blood sugar levels, with the support of data from a continuous glucose sensor. The goal of the study is to show that GEM can result in larger reduction of A1c with fewer diabetes medications, as compared to routine diabetes care.

If you participate in the study, you will be randomly assigned to follow either GEM or routine diabetes care. Study duration is 13.5 months, with three study visits at the start, 4.5 months, and 13.5 months for both groups (i.e., GEM and routine care). Study visits can be completed in person at either the University of Virginia or the University of Colorado, or remotely; they involve blood tests, physical measurements, interviews, and questionnaires. If you are assigned to the GEM group, you will also be provided a continuous glucose sensor for at least 4.5 months and a Fitbit. You will be compensated with up to $300 if you participate in the study, regardless of the study group to which you are assigned.

Additional Information

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the glycemic excursions minimization (GEM) lifestyle intervention to routine care for the management of type 2 diabetes.

You may qualify if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Ages 30-80 years
  • Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the past 24 months
  • Hemoglobin A1c between 6.5% and 11%
  • Access to a smartphone
  • Willing to complete study visits in person, at either the University of Virginia or the University of Colorado, or remotely


Exclusion Criteria:

  • Currently taking medications that impede weight loss or medications that raise blood sugar levels
  • Having a significant mental condition, such as manic-depressive illness, severe depression, active substance abuse
  • Having a medical or mental condition that would prevent diet changes or increasing the level of physical activity
  • Inability to read or speak English
  • Being pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant within the next 14 months

If you participate in the study, you will be assigned to follow either the GEM program or routine diabetes care. The study will last 13.5 months regardless of the group you are assigned to. You will be asked to complete three study visits at the start, 4.5 months, and 13.5 months. These study visits can be completed in person at either study site (University of Virginia and University of Colorado), or remotely, and will include blood tests, physical measurements, interviews, and questionnaires. If you are assigned to the GEM group, you will also be provided a continuous glucose sensor for at least 4.5 months and a Fitbit, and you will be asked to read the GEM guide to learn more about healthy food and physical activity choices. A compensation of up to $300 will be provided to you for participating in the study.

You may be paid up to $300 for participating in the study.

There is no cost for you to participate in the study.