If I am under 18, can I participate in the study?

The study is only open to those who are 18 years or older.

If I am pregnant or breastfeeding can I participate?

Unfortunately individuals who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding are not eligible to participate in the study.

I cannot speak English, am I still able to participate?

Unfortunately, you must be able to speak, write and read English, given the BETATrack app will be available only in English.

Am I able to use either an Android or an iPhone?

Yes. You are able to use either an iPhone (6s or newer – iOS 15+) or Android smartphone (version 12 or newer) to participate in the study.

What is the Oura ring and what does it measure?

The Oura ring is a smart ring that uses sensors to help track your health and measure specific vital signs. Specifically, the Oura ring measures:

Heart Rate: Your heart rate throughout the day

Resting Heart Rate: Your heart rate when you are at rest

Heart rate variability: The measure of variations in time (milliseconds) between your heartbeats

Respiration rate: How frequently you breathe while you sleep

Breathing variance: Any variation or changes in your respiration rate

Sleep stages: (Light, deep, REM) and quality of your sleep

Your body temperature: including any fluctuations in temperature

Your activity levels: The duration, intensity and timing of when you are active (for example, taking a long walk)

Your inactivity levels: The duration, intensity, and timing of when you are sedentary (for example, sitting on the couch)

Learn more about the Oura ring on their website: https://ouraring.com

How do I charge my Oura ring?

Place the ring on the charger provided to you. The charger size should match the size of the ring you are wearing. Let the device charge fully for optimal battery performance. This can take between 20-80 minutes. We suggest charging your device when you do your morning routine or when taking a shower. We have found that it is ideal to charge your ring daily (even though the battery life will last longer than this). This helps in getting into a routine and not forgetting to put the ring back on your finger after charging during intermittent times.

How do I sync my Oura ring?

Your ring will sync with the Oura app through Bluetooth connection. You will set up this connection when you set-up the device. If the Oura app is unable to find your ring while the ring is on your finger, connect the ring to the charger, keep your phone close to the ring, and try again. For more help, please refer to your Participant Guide.

How do I sync my Oura ring data?

Open the Oura app to sync the data from your ring. You will see your data in the Oura app, once the sync is completed. There may be a delay of up to 48 hours for the data to show in the BETATrack app.

What is the Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3/3+ CGM and what does it measure?

The Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3/3+ is a prescription continuous glucose monitor (CGM). The Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3/3+ CGM will collect information about your blood glucose (sugar) levels every few minutes. 

What do I do if the Oura ring or Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3/3+ CGM becomes uncomfortable?

Stop wearing the Oura ring or Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3/3+ CGM if either device becomes uncomfortable or if you have a skin reaction (like a rash) and contact a member of the study team immediately. 

What do I do if the Oura ring or Abbott Freestyle Libre 3/3+ CGM breaks or stops working?

If any of your devices stop working, please contact a member of the study team.

I want to use my own device. What type of devices can I use in the study?

If you already own an Oura ring (Generation 3+) you are able to use your own device in the study. If your healthcare provider has prescribed you a CGM for your diabetes, you may or may not be eligible to participate in the study depending on the type of CGM you use.  Please contact a member of the study team.

How will I know when I have a new survey to complete?

A list of daily Activities to Complete will be available in the BETATrack app Task section. If daily notification reminder preferences have been set, you will receive reminders at your preferred time. Otherwise, reminders will be sent out daily at 9:00am for all other surveys.

How do I set my daily notification reminder?

In the BETATrack app, go to the Settings page. Select About You, then Preferences. Check “Limit notifications to a specific time of day”, then select your preferred notification time.

What are the “at home challenges”?

You will be asked to complete up to 4 at-home challenges over the course of your study participation. These challenges will involve drinking different types of beverages that we will provide to you. You will be asked to eat 150g/day of carbohydrates for three days prior, and fast overnight before completing these challenges in the morning. Your study coordinator will provide you with more information about these challenges. 

What are the “in person visits” to the Buck Institute?

You will be asked to attend 2 morning (8:00 AM or 9:00 AM) in-person visits at the Buck Institute in Novato, CA over the course of your study participation. These visits will take roughly 3 hours, involve a fingerprick blood test, the consumption of a study-provided drink, an IV placement for blood draws performed by a nurse, and having additional personal biometrics collected like your height, weight and heart rate. You will be asked to eat 150g/day of carbohydrates for three days prior, and fast overnight (for 10 hours) before completing the in person visits. Your study coordinator will provide you with more information about these challenges.

What are the “recording periods”?

You will be asked to complete up to eight (8) 4-day recording periods throughout your participation in the study. During these eight (8) 4-day intervals, you will be asked to keep a detailed dietary record of food and drink intake using a food tracking app. Each of the 4-day intervals will include both weekday and weekend days. You will also be asked to work with your study coordinator to co-design changes in your lifestyle behaviors (e.g. physical activity, specific meals) to help capture real-world data. Your study coordinator will provide you with more information about these recording periods.

What do I do if I don’t want to answer a certain survey question?

Skip the question. You do not have to answer any questions you don’t want to answer.

What do I do if I don’t want to participate in the study anymore?

Contact a member of the research team as soon as possible at study@4youandme.org.

I have a friend who is interested in the BETA study – can they participate too?

Yes! If you know someone that might be interested in participating in the BETA study, please have them use this link to provide their contact information and answer a few pre-screening questions. They will then be contacted by a study team member via email.

I have another question, who can I contact?

For any additional questions or to speak directly to a member of our study team, please contact: study@4youandme.org.