Nuuk

Sedentary behavior among medical inpatients is closely linked to hospital-associated functional decline, threatening patients' ability to function independently. This study involves 400 patients from hospitals in Copenhagen, Aalborg, Tórshavn, and Nuuk and aims to evaluate a digital intervention designed to reduce sedentary time and increase physical activity during hospital stays. The study uses a stepped-wedge cluster randomized design to assess this approach. The intervention includes digital feedback and nudging directed at both patients and healthcare staff. Physical activity levels are measured using accelerometers, and the digital system provides real-time feedback to encourage patients to be more active while hospitalized. This approach aims to increase patients' physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior during their inpatient stay. Participants will be monitored for their daily average physical activity time from enrollment until the end of their trial participation, which lasts up to seven days. The study collects data on physical activity through accelerometers and tracks how digital nudging influences movement. Safety and ethical considerations are maintained by consulting with medical staff before including patients, ensuring appropriate participation. The total involvement duration depends on each patient's hospital stay, with a focus on short-term activity changes.

Researchers are investigating the phenotypic and genotypic traits of people living with type 2 diabetes and severe obesity in Greenland, focusing on how genetic and environmental factors uniquely affect disease development in the Greenlandic Inuit population. The study aims to understand if monogenic diabetes variants influence the risk of late diabetic complications similarly to other diabetes types, explore the implementation of personalized medicine based on genotyping, assess the prevalence of sleep apnea among high-risk individuals, and develop a simple identification method for sleep apnea in Greenland. Participants will undergo whole genome sequencing to identify diabetes-related gene variants such as those in the TBC1D4 and HNF1α genes. They will also complete cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy testing using the VAGUS device, and sleep apnea will be assessed over three nights with the NightOwl device, with confirmatory monitoring if needed. Those diagnosed with significant sleep apnea may be offered continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment. Additionally, clinical measurements and questionnaires about quality of life and sleepiness will be collected. During the study, participants will have blood drawn for genetic analysis and diabetic complication assessment, complete questionnaires (WHO-5 and FOSQ-10), and undergo clinical exams including body measurements and sleep-related evaluations. Sleep testing involves multiple nights of home monitoring with device data uploaded via smartphones. The study tracks diabetic complications and sleep apnea status but does not include follow-up screenings for complications. Results from genetic testing and sleep assessments will guide personalized treatment approaches, with total participation including initial assessments and monitoring over several days.