At a Glance
- A recent study found that wearable health technology significantly helps people with Type 2 Diabetes stick to home-based exercise routines, increasing motivation and adherence through real-time feedback and support.
- The MOTIVATE-T2D program achieved an 82 percent retention rate after 12 months, gradually guiding participants to 150 minutes of weekly exercise with help from virtual exercise counselors and wearable devices.
- Participants using wearables saw improvements in clinical markers, including better blood sugar control and reduced systolic blood pressure, demonstrating measurable health benefits beyond increased physical activity.
- The program also showed promise in improving cholesterol levels and quality of life. It used smartwatch data to tailor activity plans and provide personalized coaching through biofeedback.
- Researchers believe wearable-based programs are a feasible solution for long-term diabetes management and are preparing a larger trial to assess this approach’s broader health and cost benefits.
A new study has shown that wearable mobile health technology can play a significant role in helping people with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) maintain regular exercise routines to manage their condition. Researchers in Canada and the UK conducted a study called MOTIVATE-T2D, where participants with recently diagnosed T2D followed a home-based physical activity program. Some participants used wearable technology, like smartwatches paired with health apps, to track their progress and receive support. The results indicated that those with wearable devices were more likely to start and stick with purposeful exercise.
The study, published in BMJ Open, found that MOTIVATE-T2D participants had a higher success rate in maintaining their exercise routines, with 82% of participants staying involved in the program after 12 months. This program offered a gradual increase in exercise, aiming for 150 minutes per week, and was supported by virtual counseling from exercise specialists. The researchers also noted improvements in clinical factors like blood sugar levels and systolic blood pressure among wearable tech participants.
In addition to improving health outcomes like blood sugar and blood pressure, the wearable-based program also showed promise in lowering cholesterol and enhancing the quality of life for participants. The program utilized biofeedback from wearable devices, including a smartwatch that tracked movement and heart rate, to create personalized physical activity plans for each participant. This data was shared with the participants’ virtual coaches, helping them stay on track with their goals.
The MOTIVATE-T2D study supports the feasibility of using mobile health technology to help people with Type 2 Diabetes. The success of this approach paves the way for further research into its clinical and cost-effectiveness. Researchers are planning a full-scale trial to explore how this technology can improve long-term health outcomes for individuals managing T2D.
References
- University of Birmingham. (2025, March 26). Smartwatches may help control diabetes through exercise. EurekAlert!; University of Birmingham. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1078071
- Hesketh, K., Low, J., Andrews, R., Blitz, S., Buckley, B., Falkenhain, K., Job, J., Jones, C. A., Jones, H., Jung, M. E., Little, J., Mateus, C., Percival, S. L., Pulsford, R., Russon, C. L., Singer, J., Sprung, V. S., McManus, A. M., & Cocks, M. (2025). Mobile health biometrics to enhance exercise and physical activity adherence in type 2 diabetes (Motivate-t2d): A decentralised feasibility randomised controlled trial delivered across the uk and canada. BMJ Open, 15(3), e092260. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2024-092260
