A digital program to help low-income individuals manage their newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes
Official title: SmartStart: A digitally-enhanced diabetes self-management intervention for low-income people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-11228855 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new phone-based program to help people with low incomes who have just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes learn how to manage their condition better and get the support they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tempe, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $248,999 |
| NIH project number | 4R00MD019726-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11228855 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are low-income adults who have recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or those who do not belong to low-income populations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a digital intervention aimed at improving diabetes self-management among low-income individuals who have recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. By leveraging the widespread use of cell phones, the program seeks to enhance engagement and accessibility to Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES), which is crucial for improving health outcomes. The approach addresses the barriers that prevent low-income patients from participating in traditional diabetes education programs, aiming to provide tailored support that fits their unique needs. The intervention will be evaluated for its acceptability and feasibility in promoting effective self-care behaviors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve health outcomes for low-income individuals newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes by increasing their engagement in self-management practices.
How similar studies have gone: While digital health interventions have shown promise in other populations, this specific approach tailored for low-income individuals newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
Tempe, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Owolabi, Eyitayo Omolara — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Owolabi, Eyitayo Omolara
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Michigan Diabetes Project: A Peer-Led Self-Management Program for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
A peer-led self-management program for adults with type 2 diabetes is being tested to see if it improves blood sugar control and daily diabetes care.
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SmartStart: a digital diabetes self-management support for people with new type 2 diabetes who have low income
A digital program helps adults with new type 2 diabetes who have low income manage their health better right after diagnosis.
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This study is looking to help African American adults with Type 2 diabetes by involving their families in fun activities that promote healthy eating and exercise, to see how well this approach works for everyone involved.
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-
Improving diabetes management through digital storytelling for Latinx individuals
This study is looking at how sharing personal stories through videos can help Latinx people with type 2 diabetes manage their health better and control their blood sugar, by making healthy habits more relatable and inspiring.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.