This study will investigate whether a visual feedback system will allow drivers with diabetic neuropathy to drive more safely.

Diabetes can cause people to develop peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage that causes pain, numbness or weakness) in the legs and feet. This study wants to understand more about what it is like to drive with this condition.

It is being carried out by researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University.

This study will measure the impact of using the FreeStyle Libre 3 glucose monitoring system on glucose control for people with type 2 diabetes.

The Freestyle Libre 3 sensor is worn on the back of the upper arm and continuously measures glucose levels.  The sensor updates the results every minute and sends it straight to your smartphone.

It is being carried out in Greater Manchester by a team at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust on behalf of Abbott Diabetes Care.

This study will evaluate if a nerve stimulation device can reduce pain from the nerve damage caused by diabetes.

The study will compare two different forms of stimulation to assess which helps nerve pain better and for longer.

  • FREMS: Frequency-modulated electromagnetic neural stimulation
  • TENS: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

It is being carried out by a team of researchers at the University of Birmingham in collaboration with The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust and funded by the NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research).

This study will compare and evaluate three smart foot pressure monitoring devices to help improve foot health for people with diabetes-related neuropathy.

Many people with diabetes develop ulcers under their feet due to areas of high pressure. The loss of normal foot sensations due to diabetes means they don’t recognise this increase in pressure. Smart insoles and socks measure areas of high pressure and provide feedback to a smartphone. This study will test and compare three different foot monitoring technologies to inform future care.

The study is funded by Diabetes UK and is being carried out by a team of researchers at Manchester Metropolitan, Lancaster and Keele universities.

This study is looking to understand people’s views on how text messages about diet and physical activity might support people with type 2 diabetes to better manage their condition.

Previous research from the team highlighted how people with type 2 diabetes would value additional support and was used to develop a library of evidence-based messages.

The research is being carried out by a team of researchers based at The University of Manchester.

Vibrating insoles give vibration to the bottom of the feet, which can improve balance in people with diabetes and nerve damage (neuropathy).

This study will look at the effects of wearing vibrating insoles in day-to-day life and assess whether they can improve balance and increase physical activity.

It is being carried out by a team of researchers based at the Gait and Biometrics Laboratory at Manchester Metropolitan University.

This project is looking to improve breast prostheses by understanding people’s experiences and preferences following treatment for breast cancer.

Using innovative 3D body scanning technology, researchers will build a virtual model of the area affected by breast cancer surgery. The model can be used to develop perfectly fitting 3D breast prostheses.

Results from this project will be used to inform the development of better products and services to better serve the breast cancer community.

It is being carried out by KUPPD in collaboration with researchers at the Manchester Fashion Institute (part of Manchester Metropolitan University) and partly funded by Health Innovation Manchester.

Investigating whether a new portable self-management system can help people with diabetes manage their blood glucose levels, adhere to treatment plans and improve quality of life.

Actiste is a combined product and service that brings together a blood sampler, blood glucose meter and insulin pen in a connected smart device for daily diabetes care.

The study is being carried out by a team based at the Salford Care Organisation, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, on behalf of Swedish health-tech company, Brighter.

This project is investigating the use of 3D body scanning and 3D printing techniques to develop perfectly fitting breast prostheses.

3D scanning allows researchers to build a virtual 3D model of the area captured.  The model can then be used to create perfectly fitting 3D breast forms that replicate either the shape of the remaining breast or the desired bust shape.

Results from this project will help to design and develop prototypes of 3D breast forms, which will offer an alternative to a traditional external breast prosthesis.

It is being carried out by KUPPD in collaboration with researchers at the Manchester Fashion Institute (part of Manchester Metropolitan University) and partly funded by Health Innovation Manchester.

REmote MOnitoring of Rheumatoid Arthritis (REMORA).  Testing and evaluating a new system for tracking daily symptoms in people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The project aims to improve outpatient consultations by making sure both health staff and patients have detailed information about how patients have felt in the time between appointments.

It is being carried out by a team of researchers at the Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis at The University of Manchester in collaboration with the Northern Care Alliance.

A lot of people find it hard to reduce their meat consumption because they are not sure where to start. The Optimise programme has been developed to help people make changes to their diet and break habits.

During the programme, you will be asked to reflect on how much meat you currently eat. Using advice and guidance on the environmental and health impacts of your meat consumption, you will be asked to set yourself a goal to reduce your meat intake.

The study is being carried out by a team of researchers at the University of Oxford.

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This study is looking at whether it is feasible for people with long-term musculoskeletal conditions to self-report their pain using a smartphone app.

Pain is a subjective experience and needs to be collected directly from people when they experience it.  Whilst there are many questionnaires available to self-report pain, they often have limitations. Previous research has suggested that pain drawings, sometimes called a ‘manikin’ may solve these.

The research team behind this study have developed and evaluated a test version of the ‘Manchester Digital Pain Manikin’ app.  They are now looking to further test with people who have a musculoskeletal pain condition to make sure they find it usable and acceptable for self-reporting their pain.

The survey is being carried out by the Centre for Health Informatics and the Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis at the University of Manchester.