Wearable technology could help patients with type 2 diabetes follow exercise plans to keep their condition under control, according to a study published by BMJ Open. The authors defend that this technology has clinical benefits for these patients, including improvements in blood sugar levels and systolic blood pressure.
Researchers followed recently diagnosed patients in the UK and Canada as they got used to a physical activity program. As part of the study, some patients wore a smartwatch paired with a health app on their smartphone.
The authors found that participants were more likely to stick to their exercise plan if they had wearable technology support. The study assessed 125 participants with an 82% retention rate after 12 months.
“Our findings support the feasibility of the MOTIVATE-T2D intervention – paving the way for a full-scale randomized controlled trial to further investigate its clinical and cost-effectiveness,” said Dr Katie Hesketh from the University of Birmingham. “We found that using biometrics from wearable technologies offered great promise for encouraging people with newly diagnosed T2D to maintain a home-delivered, personalised exercise programme with all the associated health benefits.”
With the help of wearable tech, patients could gradually increase physical activity from moderate to vigorous intensity. The aim was to achieve a target of 150 minutes per week after six months. The team used biofeedback and data sharing to develop personalized programs for each patient. Typically, wearable devices included a smartwatch with a 3D accelerometer and an optical heart rate monitor synced with an online platform for the exercise specialist and a web/smartphone app for participants.
“The program offered a variety of workouts, including cardio and strength training, that could be done without the need for a gym,” concluded Dr. Hesketh. “Its goal is to make exercise a sustainable part of daily life for people with Type 2 Diabetes, ultimately improving their physical and mental health.”
Hesketh K, Low J, Andrews R, et al 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 2025;15:e092260. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-092260