Northwest Arkansas resident Kim Jones felt overwhelmed when she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
Participating in a U of A research study has given her a sense of control over the disease. Jones is working closely with Tingting Liu, an assistant professor in the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing, whose research is focused on improving the brain function in people who have Type 2 diabetes. U of A students and members of the public who have been diagnosed with the disease, and don’t consider themselves active, are invited to participate in the paid study. There are 11 spots still available.
“Dr. Liu and her team have been incredibly supportive and available for any questions or concerns I’ve had along the way,” Jones said. “As a newly-diagnosed diabetic, I’m still learning how to care for my body. Dr. Liu has taken time to develop video resources which have helped me a lot.”
Jones said the study has led to more in-depth conversations with her primary care team, which has helped her become more knowledgeable about her overall health. Participating in the study has also made it easier to stick to a weekly activity program, she said.
“I have lost 11 pounds and my A1C has dropped from 7.3 to 7.0. I believe the added accountability from people who clearly care has helped,” Jones said. “It’s easy to say, ‘I need to exercise more,’ but sometimes it can be really hard to get started in a new routine. This study has provided me the kick start I needed for life-changing habits.”
Liu, a faculty member in the College of Education and Health Professions, was awarded a three-year grant from the National Institutes of Health in the fall of 2020 to determine how an exercise program can alter the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) among people with Type 2 diabetes. High levels can increase a high-risk individual’s cognitive function, something she hopes her research will help mitigate.
Those who participate in the study must commit to 2.5 hours of exercise per week for three months while wearing a provided activity tracker. Each will receive a $150 gift card for attending all exercise sessions and may keep the activity tracker after the study ends.
Contact Liu at 479-575-5038 or tl023@uark.edu for more information about eligibility or to sign up.
