Impact of Screening and Multicomponent Exercise on Fall Rates, Fractures, and Cardiovascular Health in Diabetes

The DIACTIVE study is a randomized controlled trial with a 5-year follow-up designed to assess the effectiveness of a comprehensive intervention targeting fall prevention, bone health, nerve function and cardiovascular outcomes in people with diabetes aged 65 years and older. This innovative research seeks to address critical health vulnerabilities associated with diabetes, particularly the elevated risks of falls, fractures, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The study's integrated approach involves advanced screening techniques, tailored interventions, and long-term follow-ups, providing new insights into diabetes management for older populations. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic condition with rising global prevalence, projected to affect over 783 million people by 2045. While much attention has been given to micro- and macrovascular complications, less focus has been placed on other significant diabetes-related concerns such as bone health, neuropathy, and fall risk. Diabetes exacerbates age-related declines in musculoskeletal strength, sensory function, and cardiovascular resilience, increasing risks of falls and fractures. The interplay between these factors remains underexplored, necessitating multidimensional approaches to care. The DIACTIVE trial addresses these gaps by integrating advanced fall screening, comprehensive bone health evaluations, and cardiovascular profiling with targeted interventions. Its cornerstone is the RYMA exercise program, a novel, music-based training regimen that combines physical and cognitive elements to enhance balance, strength, and executive function.

The study has several primary objectives: reducing fall rates by 30% after 26 weeks of intervention, sustained at 52 weeks and beyond; improving bone mineral density (BMD) and mitigating fracture risks; lowering cardiovascular event rates and improving key cardiovascular markers; enhancing nerve function and reducing the progression of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN); and improving psychological and social outcomes, including reduced fear of falling, enhanced mobility, and better mental well-being. This trial adopts a prospective, randomized controlled design and includes recruitment and screening of people aged ≥65 years with T1D or T2D from outpatient diabetes clinics. Participants undergo comprehensive baseline assessments, including DXA scans for BMD, fall risk stratification, neuropathy evaluations, and cardiovascular profiling using blood pressure, ECG, and advanced imaging techniques like MRI and seismocardiography. Based on their risk profiles, participants are randomized into intervention and control groups. The intervention group engages in the RYMA exercise program, which combines physical and cognitive training elements, including multitasking, reaction-based exercises, and coordination tasks, set to improvised piano music. Pharmacological treatments for osteoporosis and cardiovascular optimization are implemented as per ADA and local guidelines. Outcomes are assessed at 26 weeks, 52 weeks, 2 years, and 5 years, covering fall rates, BMD, nerve function, cardiovascular health, and quality of life.

The RYMA exercise program is the core intervention and focuses on cognitive-motor training through rhythm-based exercises. It targets key risk factors for falls by improving balance, strength, executive function, and coordination while integrating social elements to enhance adherence and sustainability. Bone health interventions involve stratification based on DXA results, with pharmacological treatments for osteoporosis provided according to ADA guidelines. Cardiovascular optimization includes medications such as SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and statins, tailored to the participants' risk profiles. The study's primary endpoints include reducing fall rates, improving BMD, reducing fracture risk, optimizing cardiovascular outcomes, and enhancing nerve function. Secondary endpoints focus on understanding the mechanisms underlying these improvements, quality-of-life metrics, and participant adherence to the interventions.

Assessments include validated fall risk algorithms, DXA scans, neuropathy tests (e.g., NC-Stat DPNCheck, vibration perception thresholds, and sensory testing), cardiovascular imaging (e.g., MRI, seismocardiography), and cognitive and physical performance evaluations. Gait analysis, postural stability, muscle strength, and executive function tests provide insights into the intervention's mechanistic effects. The trial aims to recruit 440 participants (220 T1D and 220 T2D). Inclusion criteria are: age ≥65 years, confirmed diagnosis of diabetes for at least one year, and the ability to live independently and participate in the exercise program. Exclusion criteria include severe cognitive impairment, neurological or orthopedic conditions affecting mobility, and participation in other interventional studies within six months.

This study represents a paradigm shift in diabetes management by addressing interconnected health risks through a holistic approach. Its multidisciplinary interventions combine physical, cognitive, and pharmacological elements to improve outcomes in older people with diabetes. By targeting fall prevention, bone health, and cardiovascular risk factors simultaneously, DIACTIVE has the potential to significantly enhance the quality of life and inform future healthcare strategies. Findings from the study will contribute to clinical guidelines, emphasizing integrated care models and tailored interventions for high-risk populations. Long-term follow-ups will provide critical data on the sustainability and scalability of such programs, paving the way for broader implementation in healthcare systems

Inclusion criteria

• Men and women with either T1D or T2D with a minimum of 65 years of age with no upper limit.
• Living in their own home
• A diagnosis of diabetes at least one year prior to inclusion of the study to avoid honeymoon diabetes.
• Signed the informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• No previous experience with rhythm-based multitask exercise.
• Having significant neurological diseases (e.g., Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis), vestibular diseases, or orthopedic surgeries (e.g., hip/knee replacement) affecting their ability to participate in the study.
• Having severely impaired cognitive function, defined as a score below 8 on the cognitive assessment "the short orientation-memory-concentration test."
• Being fully dependent on walking aids.
• Pregnancy or breast feeding
• Active malignancy or terminally ill.
• Not being able to understand Danish written and/or verbally.
• Participating in other interventional clinical studies within the last six months
• People with a weekly exercise activity above 5 hours a week