PSYCHOLOGISTS at Middlesex University have launched an appeal for people with Type 2 diabetes to take part in a study.

The project, which will launch later this month, aims to help sufferers of the disease lose weight by taking part in online challenges.

The Royal Free and Central London and Community Healthcare NHS trusts are also helping run the study, which is funded by the charity Diabetes UK.

Vicky Whitelock, psychology doctoral PhD student at Middlesex University said: “The brain training involves remembering a sequence of numbers and letters through a series of challenges. Our work is the first test of whether this kind of training can help participants to change their eating habits and improve their control of diabetes.

“Working memory is believed to be linked to areas of the brain that are responsible for self-control. It is thought that by undertaking working memory training like this it may increase activity in these areas of the brain essential for self-control, and ultimately improve someone’s ability to resist tempting foods.

“Type 2 diabetes is a condition where controlling food intake is important to help reduce the risk of developing both short term and long term physical complications, so participants could really benefit from this type of training.”

Organisers are looking for people with Type 2 diabetes who have online access at home.

Participants would also need to visit the university in The Burroughs, Hendon for three sessions, and travel costs will be reimbursed.

For more information, contact Vicky Whitelock on 020 8411 4440 or v.whitelock@mdx.ac.uk