Study to help reduce risk of heart disease and diabetes, to be done via Zoom, is looking for participants in 16 Kentucky counties

By Heather Close Published July 17, 2024 FEATURED, YOUR HEALTH

By Gia Mudd-Martin

Heart disease and Type 2 diabetes are often preventable, but Kentucky has the nation’s ninth-highest rate of heart disease and the fifth highest rate of diabetes. Plus, many Kentuckians have pre-diabetes but don’t know they have it.

A team of at the University of Kentucky is leading a health study called “Heart of the Family” to help people learn to reduce their risk for these illnesses, and the team is inviting participants to join.

What do participants get?

“Heart of the Family” participants receive eight one-on-one, personalized health education sessions based on their risk factors and health. The sessions are over Zoom — no travel required.
Free screenings to check health measurements such as blood pressure and cholesterol; these can be done in your home community (team members can come to you) or at an off-campus UK office
Gift card for participation

Who can join? You may be eligible to participate if you are:

At least 18 years old
Do not have heart disease or diabetes
Live in one of these Kentucky counties: Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Casey, Clark, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Marion, Mercer, Pulaski, Scott, Woodford
Have two or more of these risk factors: family history of heart disease or diabetes; personal history of gestational diabetes or polycystic ovarian syndrome; little or no exercise; unhealthy diet; high blood pressure; high cholesterol; elevated blood sugar; stress; depression; overweight; cigarette smoker

Some participants will be invited to have a friend or family member join with them as a “study buddy,” so make sure you have someone willing to participate with you. They can participate even if they have diabetes or heart disease. Study buddies will receive the same benefits listed above.

What is required of participants? Participants should be willing to complete eight virtual health-education sessions, share health information with the study team, and have blood drawn. All your information will be kept completely confidential, just like in regular medical care.

How can I get involved? If you’re interested in learning more or joining, contact Emily Cravens at emcravens@uky.edu or 859-218-6827. Learn more about participating in research at UKClinicalResearch.com.