Smartwatches Revolutionize Diabetes Management Through Exercise Tracking: Study Finds - Video

Wearable mobile health technology could help people with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) to stick to exercise regimes that help them to keep the condition under control, a new study reveals

Researchers studied the behaviour of recently-diagnosed T2D patients as they followed a home-based physical activity programme – some of whom wore a smartwatch paired with a health app on their smartphone.

They discovered that MOTIVATE-T2D participants were more likely to start and maintain purposeful exercise at if they had the support of wearable technology- the study successfully recruited 125 participants with an 82% retention rate after 12 months.

Publishing their findings in BMJ Open, an international group of researchers revealed a range of potential clinical benefits among participants including improvements in blood sugar levels and systolic blood pressure.

Researchers found that, as well as the encouraging data for blood sugar and systolic blood pressure, the programme could help to lower cholesterol and improve quality of life.

The programme saw participants gradually increasing purposeful exercise of moderate-to-vigorous intensity – aiming for a target of 150 minutes per week by the end of 6 months and supported by an exercise specialist-led behavioural counselling service delivered virtually.

MOTIVATE-T2D used biofeedback and data sharing to support the development of personalised physical activity programmes. Wearable technologies included a smartwatch, featuring a 3D accelerometer and optical heart rate monitor, synced with an online coaching platform for the exercise specialist and web/smartphone app for participants.

Ref: 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