Standardized disease-related measures in diabetes research: results from a global consensus process

Background A lack of disease-related consensus measures for type 2 diabetes interventions is a barrier to comparing interventions across various contexts, as well as to implementation and scale-up. This study aimed to use an expert consensus approach to select disease-related measures for type 2 diabetes to facilitate cross-contextual research, as well as the implementation and scaling-up of initiatives. Methods The study was conducted using a two-phased cross-sectional design consisting of an online survey among research experts in 17 diabetes projects working in a global context, followed by an online modified Delphi panel comprised of reviewers with domain-specific expertise from different income settings who were not survey participants. Results Out of 153 measures from 11 domains assessed, 49 were classified as core, 58 as optional, and 46 were excluded. The domains and measures spanned several categories, including demographics, medical history, medication adherence, health behaviors, anthropometric measures, biochemical measures, and quality-of-life-related issues. Conclusion The core dataset of selected measures in type 2 diabetes may provide a standardized approach for determining which data should be collected. This can facilitate transnational comparisons between or within implementation projects to advance global diabetes research.