Targeting Metabolic Syndrome From the Emergency Department Through Mixed-Methods: Pilot Trial

Launched by INDIANA UNIVERSITY · Aug 5, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is testing a new program to help people with metabolic syndrome—a group of health problems like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and obesity—that puts them at higher risk for serious conditions like diabetes and heart disease. The study is being done with patients who visit the emergency room and have these health issues. The goal is to see if a combination of tools, like an educational video, a walking plan, a Fitbit device to track activity, healthy eating tips, text message reminders, and quick follow-up appointments, can help people better understand their condition and motivate them to be more active and eat healthier.

Adults who are overweight (with a body mass index of 30 or higher), have at least one related health condition like high blood pressure or high blood sugar, and are able to walk safely are eligible to join. Participants will be randomly placed into two groups: one will receive this special program, and the other will get the usual care from the emergency room. If you join, you’ll watch the video, get a walking goal of 150 minutes a week, wear a Fitbit to track your steps, receive helpful messages, and be referred for follow-up care to support your health. This study is still recruiting patients and aims to find out if this approach is practical and helpful for people dealing with metabolic syndrome.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Ambulatory adults (18 years of age) presenting to the emergency department setting
• • BMI 30 kg/m2
• • Prior diagnosis of at least one additional comorbid component of metabolic syndrome: hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia
• • Clinical plan for discharge
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Age \<18 years
• • Pregnant patients
• • Unable to safely ambulate (including patient or family perception of inability to safely ambulate)
• • Lack of access to smart phone
• • Unable or unwilling to wear Fitbit accelerometer device
• • Unable to obtain informed consent