Flinders University researchers will test whether continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and personalised lifestyle support can help prevent type 2 diabetes in post-menopausal women.
The six-month feasibility study, being conducted with Australian preventative health platform Vively, will recruit about 20 South Australian women at increased risk of developing the disease.
Participants will use continuous glucose monitoring sensors and receive personalised diet and lifestyle guidance, with researchers examining whether real-time glucose data can support sustainable behaviour change and improve metabolic health.
In July, Flinders University researcher Dr Elke Sokoya partnered with preventative health platform Vively to deliver the six month feasibility study, which will recruit about 20 South Australian women at increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
This real-world observational study is among the first to explore the role of CGM in supporting women’s metabolic health after menopause, bridging a longstanding gap in women’s health research.
It comes amid growing interest in longevity science and lifestyle medicine, with consumers seeking personalised strategies to improve their overall wellbeing.
“A one-size-fits-all approach does not work for everyone,” said Dr Sokoya, lead researcher and founder of the Chronic Disease Research Laboratory.
“Post-menopausal women are at significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, partly due to the decline in oestrogen, which plays an important role in maintaining metabolic health.”
“Most prevention strategies still rely on broad recommendations that may not work equally well for everyone. This study aims to address that gap.”
Vively Chief Medical Officer Dr Michelle Woolhouse said menopause represents a period of significant physiological change, making early intervention particularly important.
“When a woman goes through the menopausal transition, along with the changes in hormonal levels, her metabolism changes.”
“Take for example estrogen. When this drops during menopause, it can change a woman’s insulin sensitivity, which will in turn affect her appetite, making her put on weight more easily and increasing her inflammation markers.”
She noted that CGM technology provides women with real-time feedback on how food, meal timing, physical activity, stress and sleep affect their glucose levels.
“A CGM gives her a real-time insight into what foods will help to regulate her blood glucose levels. When glucose levels are regulated, this helps to lower inflammation and cortisol levels, which are our stress hormones.”
Add Comment