ACT1ON Phase 2 (SMART Pilot) and Phase 3 (Efficacy Trial Development)

Overview

An initial pilot and feasibility study will be conducted using a Sequential, Multiple Assignment, Randomized Trial (SMART) design to identify acceptable and effective dietary strategies to optimize both glycemic control and weight management in young adults with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). This pilot trial will include a ten-and-a-half month behavioral intervention, with co-primary outcomes of glycemic control (HbA1C and hypoglycemia) and weight loss. The pilot trial will assess acceptability and adherence to three distinct, evidence-based dietary approaches designed to address weight management and glycemic control. Behavioral counseling strategies, use of carbohydrate counting for insulin dosing, and encouragement of physical activity will be the same across the three dietary approaches. COVID-19 PROVISIONS: Due to restrictions in place on in-person visits due to COVID-19 precautions, some subjects may remain in the study longer than 10.5 months. As of June 2020, the study transitioned to a completely virtual format. Those who were due for a measurement visit during the time that research activities were halted, prior to the approval of the virtual procedures, remained on the diet they were currently assigned to, supported by bi-weekly Registered Dietitian (RD) counseling, until they were able to be scheduled for a virtual visit.

Eight-four participants will be randomized in total; 42 at the University of North Carolina (UNC), 42 at Stanford. COVID-19 Provisions: Due to impacts of COVID-19, the study was forced to cease recruitment early. 40 subjects were randomized at UNC and 29 were randomized at Stanford, for a total of 69 subjects across sites. Procedures (methods): Three distinct dietary approaches will be tested. Dietary approaches are as follows: Diet 1: hypocaloric, moderate low fat (30% calories from fat) weight management based on the Look AHEAD study Diet 2: hypocaloric, low carbohydrate (15-20% calories from carbohydrate, 59-63% as total fat (\<10% saturated fat, at least 37% monounsaturated fat, remaining as polyunsaturated fat) Diet 3: advice to select a healthy Mediterranean dietary pattern with no caloric restriction Participants will complete measurement visits at baseline (-14 days), 3 mos, 6.5 mos, and 10 mos. All visits transitioned to a virtual format as of 6/2020 due to COVID-19 provisions. Participants will complete a total of 23 intervention sessions over an approximately 10-and-a-half month period (Eight longer sessions (teleconference) and 15 telephone check-ins) Participants will be randomized to one of the three diets for a minimum of a three-and-a-half month period. Re-randomization is possible following the 3 month and/or 6.5 month measurement visits. Re-randomization is based on acceptability of diet (self-report), non-severe hypoglycemic events (self-report), and not achieving significant weight change (defined as losing at least 2% of body weight from previous study visit), and worsening glycemic control (increase in Hemoglobin A1c of \>/= 0.5% from previous study visit). Re-randomization will occur after the 14-day continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) wear period that will be initiated at each measurement visit.