Research
Fenland Study
RECRUITING!
The Fenland Study looks at the influence of diet, lifestyle and genetic factors on the development of diabetes, obesity and other metabolic disorders. The study is looking at 10,000 people born between 1950 and 1975 from three regions in Cambridgeshire: Ely, Wisbech and Cambridge. The Fenland Study recruits volunteers through participating GP surgeries, inviting people who meet specific inclusion criteria such as age.
In this study great attention is being given to the metabolic characterisation of volunteers, particularly sensitivity to the hormone insulin which is important in diabetes. A blood sample is taken which is assessed for glucose and blood fats such as cholesterol. Volunteers also have their response to glucose assessed. They consume a harmless sugary drink and their response is measured via another blood sample.
During their assessment, volunteers have a number of body measurements taken such as height and weight as well as an ECG to assess the health of their heart. We also use ultrasound and DEXA to measure fat levels (adiposity) in the body.
Volunteers also have their physical activity levels and diet accurately measured. This is partly done through a series of questionnaires relating to medical history, normal diet, physical activity and general lifestyle. Physical fitness is measured using a treadmill test to assess the amount of energy that they use when walking in a controlled environment. We then measure everyday physical activity for six days using a combined movement sensor and heart rate monitor.
This study is funded by the Wellcome Trust.
