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Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of a Theory-driven BALANCE Dietary Program Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of a Theory-driven BALANCE Dietary Program Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07472855
Acronym
BALANCE
Enrollment
30
Registered
2026-03-16
Start date
2025-06-01
Completion date
2025-12-01
Last updated
2026-03-16

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Keywords

COM-B theory, type 2 diabetes, behaviour change technique

Brief summary

This study explores the effect of an individualized dietary intervention program based on COM-B theory on improving health outcomes in patients with T2DM, improvement in metabolic health indicators and an increased diabetes remission rate, as well as changes in dietary adherence, self-management ability, and self-efficacy.

Detailed description

This study explores the effect of an individualized dietary intervention program based on the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) theory on improving health outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), including glycemic control, improvement in metabolic health indicators. The control group will implement a standardized diabetes management, including health guidance, WeChat group management, and supervision and management via a metabolic management center(MMC) mini-program. On the basis of the control group, the intervention group will implement a dietary intervention model based on the COM-B theory model and a TDF framework, including ① psychological capability education: intensified education on diabetes knowledge; ② physical capability education: intensified training in practical skills; ③ motivation management: action planning, behavior goal setting, reward mechanisms, and establishing role models; ④ support and supervision: empowerment management via a WeChat group, social support, problem solving, and guidance based on indicator monitoring on the clinician side of a health diet APP. We will observe dietary-related glycemic control, improvement in metabolic health indicators, as well as changes in dietary adherence, self-management ability, and self-efficacy.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALPsychological capability education

Intensified education on diabetes knowledge

BEHAVIORALPhysical capability education

Intensified training in practical skills for dietary management

BEHAVIORALmotivation management

action planning, behavior goal setting, problem solving, reward mechanisms, and establishing role models

BEHAVIORALsupport and supervision

empowerment management via a WeChat group, social support, and guidance based on indicator monitoring on the clinician side of a mini-program

BEHAVIORALA standardized diabetes care

a routine dietary management model will be implemented, including health guidance, WeChat group management, and supervision and management

Sponsors

Capital Medical University
Lead SponsorOTHER
The Luhe Teaching Hospital of the Capital Medical University
CollaboratorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Intervention model description

For the control group, a routine dietary management model will be implemented, including health guidance, WeChat group management, and supervision and management; on the basis of the control group, the intervention group will implement a BALANCE dietary intervention based on the COM-B theory model and a TDF framework, including ① psychological capability education: intensified education on diabetes knowledge; ② physical capability education: intensified training in practical skills for dietary management; ③ motivation management: action planning, behavior goal setting, problem solving, reward mechanisms, and establishing role models; ④ support and supervision: empowerment management via a WeChat group, social support, and guidance based on indicator monitoring on the clinician side of a mini-program. At 3 and 6 months after the intervention, we will observe dietary-related glycaemic control, improvement in metabolic health indicators, and diabetes remission, as well as changes in dieta

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Meet 1999 WHO diagnostic criteria for type 2 diabetes mellitus (diabetes symptoms plus random plasma glucose ≥11.1 mmol/L, or fasting plasma glucose ≥7.0 mmol/L, or 2-hour plasma glucose ≥11.1 mmol/L after OGTT) Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) between 7% and 10%; * Stable glucose-lowering medication regimen as assessed by physician; * Age 18-60 years; * Light physical labor in the past 6 months (work mainly involving standing or small amount of walking); * Willing to participate voluntarily, understand study content, and able to attend regular follow-up;

Exclusion criteria

* Currently using weight-loss medications; * Significant renal insufficiency (creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL or 133 μmol/L); * Significant liver dysfunction (ALT more than 2 times the upper limit of normal); * History of stroke or myocardial infarction; * Other serious diseases including malignant tumors, psychiatric disorders, anorexia, or gastrointestinal diseases; * Pregnancy, planning pregnancy, postpartum status, or breastfeeding;

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
HbA1cbefore the intervention and from enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 and 24 weeksHbA1c will be measured using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), the internationally recognized reference method for HbA1c quantification. Venous blood samples will be collected in EDTA-anticoagulated tubes and analyzed by ion-exchange HPLC, which separates hemoglobin fractions based on their interaction with a chromatography column. Results will be reported as a percentage (%) per NGSP/DCCT standards, with parallel reporting in mmol/mol per IFCC standards. All analyses will be performed in a certified laboratory participating in external quality assessment (EQA) programs to ensure inter-laboratory comparability and result accuracy.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
FBG (Fasting Blood Glucose)before the intervention and from enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 and 24 weeksFasting Blood Glucose (FBG) was measured after an overnight fast of at least 8 hours. Venous blood samples were collected and analyzed using a standardized enzymatic method in a certified clinical laboratory. FBG values were reported in mg/dL. Fasting was defined as no caloric intake except water during the fasting period. The measure reflects baseline glucose levels and was used to assess glycemic status according to established clinical criteria.
TG (Triglycerides)before the intervention and from enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 and 24 weeksSerum total cholesterol was measured to assess overall lipid metabolism status. After an overnight fast of at least 8 hours, venous blood samples were collected and serum total cholesterol concentration was determined using an enzymatic colorimetric method (cholesterol oxidase-peroxidase, CHOD-PAP). Results are reported in mmol/L (conversion: 1 mmol/L = 38.67 mg/dL). According to the Chinese Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Dyslipidemia in Adults (2016 revision), desirable TC is \<5.18 mmol/L, borderline high is 5.18-6.19 mmol/L, and elevated TC is ≥6.22 mmol/L. Lower values indicate improved lipid control.
TC (Total Cholesterol)before the intervention and from enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 and 24 weeksSerum total cholesterol was measured to assess overall lipid metabolism status. After an overnight fast of at least 8 hours, venous blood samples were collected and serum total cholesterol concentration was determined using an enzymatic colorimetric method (cholesterol oxidase-peroxidase, CHOD-PAP). Results are reported in mmol/L (conversion: 1 mmol/L = 38.67 mg/dL). According to the Chinese Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Dyslipidemia in Adults (2016 revision), desirable TC is \<5.18 mmol/L, borderline high is 5.18-6.19 mmol/L, and elevated TC is ≥6.22 mmol/L. Lower values indicate improved lipid control.
DKT (Diabetes Knowledge Test)before the intervention and from enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 and 24 weeksDiabetes knowledge assessed using the Chinese version of the Diabetes Knowledge Test (DKT) scale, originally developed by Fitzgerald et al. and culturally adapted and validated by Sun et al. The scale consists of 23 questions, each worth 1 point. Total score ranges from 0 to 23, with higher scores indicating better diabetes knowledge. The scale demonstrates acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.76).
DSES (Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale)before the intervention and from enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 and 24 weeksSelf-efficacy assessed using the Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale (DSES) developed by Lorig et al. and validated by Sun et al. The scale consists of 8 items, each rated on a scale from 1 to 10. Total score ranges from 8 to 80, with higher scores indicating stronger self-efficacy in diabetes self-management. The scale demonstrates excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.889).
SDSCA (Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities)before the intervention and from enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 and 24 weeksThe Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) scale will be used to evaluate patients' diabetes self-management behaviours. Originally developed by Toobert et al., the SDSCA has been translated into Chinese and validated for the Chinese population by Sun et al. The scale assesses patients' self-care performance over the preceding 7 days across five behavioural domains: general diet, specific diet, physical activity, blood glucose self-monitoring, and foot care. It comprises 11 items, each scored on a scale of 0 to 7, where 0 indicates that the behaviour was not performed on any day and 7 indicates performance on every day of the week. Total scores are calculated as the mean of all item scores, with higher scores reflecting better self-management. The Chinese version of the SDSCA has demonstrated good internal consistency, with a Cronbach's α of 0.84.
Insulin Resistance Indexbefore the intervention and from enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 and 24 weeksInsulin resistance was evaluated using the Homeostasis Model As-sessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). HOMA-IR was calculated using the formula: HOMA-IR = \[FPG (mmol/L) × FINS (μU/mL)\] / 22.5. Higher HOMA-IR values indicate greater insulin resistance.
Insulin Sensitivity Indexbefore the intervention and from enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 and 24 weeksInsulin sensitivity was evaluated using the Matsuda Insulin Sensitivity Index (ISI-Matsuda), a composite measure derived from a standard 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Higher ISI-Matsuda values indicate greater insulin sensitivity.
Insulin C-peptide testbefore the intervention and from enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 and 24 weeksC-peptide levels were determined using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) method. Results are reported in ng/mL and reference range is 0.78-1.89 ng/mL
Hip Circumference (HC)before the intervention and from enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 and 24 weeksA non-elastic flexible tape at the level of the greatest posterior protru-sion of the buttocks, with the participant standing with feet together. Measurements were taken twice and averaged. Results are reported in cm.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Testbefore the intervention and from enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 and 24 weeksGlucose tolerance was assessed using a standard 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) performed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) protocol. After an overnight fast of at least 8-10 hours, a fasting venous blood sample was collected for baseline plasma glucose measurement. Participants then ingested a solution containing 75 g anhydrous glucose dissolved in 250-300 mL water within 5 minutes. Subsequent venous blood samples were collected at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes post-ingestion for plasma glucose measurement using the glucose oxidase or hexokinase enzymatic method. The primary outcome parameter is the 2-hour postload plasma glucose (2h-PG, mmol/L). Glucose tolerance status was classified according to WHO/ADA criteria: normal glucose tolerance (NGT): FPG \<6.1 mmol/L and 2h-PG \<7.8 mmol/L; impaired fasting glucose (IFG): FPG 6.1-6.9 mmol/L and 2h-PG \<7.8 mmol/L; impaired glucose tolerance (IGT): FPG \<7.0 mmol/L and 2h-PG 7.8-11.0 mmol/L; diabetes mellitus (DM): FPG ≥
High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C)before the intervention and from enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 and 24 weeksSerum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was measured to assess reverse cholesterol transport capacity and cardiovascular protective status. After an overnight fast of at least 8 hours, venous blood samples were collected and serum HDL-C concentration was determined using a direct homogeneous enzymatic method (direct HDL assay). Results are reported in mmol/L (conversion: 1 mmol/L = 38.67 mg/dL). Unlike TC, TG, and LDL-C, higher HDL-C values are considered protective against cardiovascular disease. According to the Chinese Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Dyslipidemia in Adults (2016 revision), desirable HDL-C is ≥1.04 mmol/L and reduced HDL-C is \<1.04 mmol/L.
Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C)before the intervention and from enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 and 24 weeksSerum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was measured as the primary indicator of atherogenic lipid burden. After an overnight fast of at least 8 hours, venous blood samples were collected and serum LDL-C concentration was determined using a direct homogeneous enzymatic method (direct LDL assay). Where the direct assay was not available, LDL-C was calculated using the Friedewald equation: LDL-C = TC - HDL-C - TG/2.2 (all values in mmol/L), applicable only when TG \<4.52 mmol/L. Results are reported in mmol/L (conversion: 1 mmol/L = 38.67 mg/dL). According to the Chinese Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Dyslipidemia in Adults (2016 revision), desirable LDL-C is \<3.37 mmol/L, borderline high is 3.37-4.12 mmol/L, and elevated LDL-C is ≥4.14 mmol/L. Target LDL-C levels were individualized according to each participant's cardiovascular risk stratification.
Weightbefore the intervention and from enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 and 24 weeksBody composition was measured using a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer (InBody 770, InBody Co., Ltd., Seoul, South Ko-rea). Participants fasted for ≥2 hours, avoided strenuous exercise for 24 hours, removed shoes and metal accessories, emptied their blad-ders, and stood upright for 5 minutes before testing to stabilize fluid distribution. During measurement, participants grasped hand elec-trodes with arms abducted \~30° from the body and remained still. Measured parameters included weight (kg), height (cm), BMI (kg/m²), body fat percentage (%), visceral fat area (cm²), and total body water (L). All assessments were performed at the same time of day (±2 hours) across visits.
Heightbefore the intervention and from enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 and 24 weeksBody composition was measured using a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer (InBody 770, InBody Co., Ltd., Seoul, South Ko-rea). Participants fasted for ≥2 hours, avoided strenuous exercise for 24 hours, removed shoes and metal accessories, emptied their blad-ders, and stood upright for 5 minutes before testing to stabilize fluid distribution. During measurement, participants grasped hand elec-trodes with arms abducted \~30° from the body and remained still. Measured parameters included weight (kg), height (cm), BMI (kg/m²), body fat percentage (%), visceral fat area (cm²), and total body water (L). All assessments were performed at the same time of day (±2 hours) across visits.
BMIbefore the intervention and from enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 and 24 weeksBody composition was measured using a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer (InBody 770, InBody Co., Ltd., Seoul, South Ko-rea). Participants fasted for ≥2 hours, avoided strenuous exercise for 24 hours, removed shoes and metal accessories, emptied their blad-ders, and stood upright for 5 minutes before testing to stabilize fluid distribution. During measurement, participants grasped hand elec-trodes with arms abducted \~30° from the body and remained still. Measured parameters included weight (kg), height (cm), BMI (kg/m²), body fat percentage (%), visceral fat area (cm²), and total body water (L). All assessments were performed at the same time of day (±2 hours) across visits.
Body fat percentagebefore the intervention and from enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 and 24 weeksBody composition was measured using a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer (InBody 770, InBody Co., Ltd., Seoul, South Ko-rea). Participants fasted for ≥2 hours, avoided strenuous exercise for 24 hours, removed shoes and metal accessories, emptied their blad-ders, and stood upright for 5 minutes before testing to stabilize fluid distribution. During measurement, participants grasped hand elec-trodes with arms abducted \~30° from the body and remained still. Measured parameters included weight (kg), height (cm), BMI (kg/m²), body fat percentage (%), visceral fat area (cm²), and total body water (L). All assessments were performed at the same time of day (±2 hours) across visits.
Visceral fat areabefore the intervention and from enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 and 24 weeksBody composition was measured using a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer (InBody 770, InBody Co., Ltd., Seoul, South Ko-rea). Participants fasted for ≥2 hours, avoided strenuous exercise for 24 hours, removed shoes and metal accessories, emptied their blad-ders, and stood upright for 5 minutes before testing to stabilize fluid distribution. During measurement, participants grasped hand elec-trodes with arms abducted \~30° from the body and remained still. Measured parameters included weight (kg), height (cm), BMI (kg/m²), body fat percentage (%), visceral fat area (cm²), and total body water (L). All assessments were performed at the same time of day (±2 hours) across visits.
Waist Circumference (WC)before the intervention and from enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 and 24 weeksA non-elastic flexible tape at the midpoint between the lowest rib margin and the iliac crest at the end of normal expiration, with the participant standing and arms relaxed at sides. Measurements were taken twice and averaged. Results are reported in cm.
Waist-hip ratio (WHR)before the intervention and from enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 and 24 weeksWHR is calculated as the waist circumference divided by the hip cir-cumference.
Dietary behaviour diarybefore the intervention and from enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 and 24 weeksTrained investigators assisted with app installation and provided standardized usage instructions at enrollment. Participants photo-graphed and logged all meals and beverages daily, and the app au-tomatically calculated total caloric intake (kcal/day) and macronutri-ent composition (carbohydrate, protein, and fat in g/day and % of to-tal energy) based on a built-in Chinese food composition database.
Dietary adherencebefore the intervention and from enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 and 24 weeksDietary adherence assessed using the Dietary Behaviour Compliance Scale developed by Zhao et al. The scale comprises 5 dimensions with 23 total items: fruits and vegetables (5 items), oil and salt (4 items), carbohydrates and fat (5 items), cooking and dining habits (4 items), and overall dietary self-regulation (5 items). Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale where 1 = "never" and 5 = "always". Total score ranges from 23 to 115, with higher scores indicating better adherence to recommended dietary behaviours. The scale demonstrates excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.886).
International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF)before the intervention and from enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 and 24 weeksPhysical activity assessed using the IPAQ-SF. Participants recall and report frequency (days/week) and duration (minutes/day) of physical activity, plus total daily sitting time on weekdays, over the previous 7 days. Metabolic equivalent (MET) values are: 3.3 METs for walking, 4.0 METs for moderate-intensity activity, and 8.0 METs for vigorous-intensity activity. Weekly physical activity for each intensity is calculated as: MET-min/week = MET value × frequency (days/week) × duration (min/day). The questionnaire demonstrates good validity; correlations between weekly activity time across IPAQ-SF dimensions and pedometer-recorded total weekly step counts ranged from 0.417 to 0.440 (p \< 0.05).

Countries

China

Contacts

STUDY_DIRECTORJi Meihua

Capital Medical University

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Mar 17, 2026