Frequently asked questions

Do I need to stick to one programme for 6-months?

No, you can adapt your exercise programme to suit your specific needs at any time. For example, if you find that you don’t have enough time to complete a cardio-moderate session you can switch to a less time consuming Cardio-vigorous session or a HIIT session. You develop your exercise programme with your exercise specialist during one of the exercise counselling sessions. During this meeting we will ask you questions such as what type of exercise you like, what you don't like, how much time you have. This helps us work together to find a programme that suits you! Following your exercise counselling meeting - the exercise specialist will then create a programme for you to follow. You can always change and adapt this programme to suit your needs.



How many exercising sessions are there per week?

Ideally you need to complete three exercise sessions per week in order to achieve the best health benefits. But this is something you will discuss during your exercise counselling sessions with your exercise specialisit.



I am not part of the MOTIVATE T2D Study - How do I sign up?

You are likely to be eligible for this study if you fulfil the following criteria:

  • Diagnosed with T2D within the previous 5–24 months
  • Male or Female
  • Aged 40-75
  • Treat your diabetes with only Metformin or lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise)
  • For those prescribed Metformin: have used a stable dose for 3-months or more

Meeting any of the following criteria will prevent you from participating in the study:

  • Aged under 40 or over 75
  • HbA1c more than 10%
  • Blood pressure higher than 160/110 mmHg
  • Treat your diabetes with an antidiabetic drug other than Metformin
  • Unstable angina (frequent chest pain)
  • Myocardial infarction (heart attack) within the previous 3 months
  • Transient ischemic attack (TIA) within the previous 6 months
  • Heart failure ≥class 2
  • Arrhythmia (heart rhythm problems)
  • Inability to increase activity
  • Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant
  • Less than 6 months post childbirth or stopped breastfeeding less than 1 month ago
  • Not owning a smartphone/ or having no data plan or access to WiFi
  • currently meeting the recommended exercise guidelines (150 min of moderate intensity exercise per week).

If you are unsure on any of these, then please contact the research team and we will help.

If you become pregnant during the study you will need to inform the research team and withdraw from the study.



What should I do if my equipment is faulty/not working?

If any of your equipment is not working as you’d expect please contact the MOTIVATE team as soon as possible. You can contact as via email MotivateT2D@ljmu.ac.uk or on the Contact Us tab on the website.



What should I do if I am unable to attend a virtual meeting/phone call?

If you are unable to attend a pre-booked meeting/phone call with a member of the research team, please let us know as soon as possible and we can re-arrange this to suit you better.



I have developed an injury that is stopping me from exercising, what should I do?

Please contact the research team if you are injured and are unable to complete the exercise sessions due to injury.

We should be able to give you some alternative types of exercises to try while you recover from your injury.



I’m not sure how to use some of the testing equipment?

If you are unsure or need a reminder on how to use the testing equipment you can refer to the testing booklet (included in the testing box sent to you) or watch the tutorial videos in the health tests section of the website (https://www.motivateT2D.com/testing).

If you are still struggling after trying the above, please contact the research team.



I don’t want to be a part of the study anymore, what should I do?

If you do not wish to continue with the MOTIVATE T2D programme, please contact the research team as soon as possible. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time.



To follow the MOTIVATE T2D training plan, do I need any exercise equipment or a gym membership?

No - we have specially designed this programme so that you can complete it at home without any equipment. For the Cardio-Moderate, Cardio-vigorous and HIIT programmes you can use a variety of modalities such as running or cycling. Or you can complete these sessions on a number of cardio gym machines if you would like to attend a gym. You can also check our HIIT and Strength training exercises in the training booklets, or follow the exercise videos each week. All of these exercises use body weight and do not require any equipment. But if you would like to use a gym, or attend a class - we can add this into your programme!



Can I do exercise that isn’t part of the MOTIVATE programme?

Yes of course you can! If you are a part of the Motivate T2D Study, please make sure you are wearing your monitor in order to track your exercise.

If it is something that you would like to add into your programme, just contact your exercise specialist who can add it in!