A new approach to encourage exercise in people with type 2 diabetes.
Official title: A novel psychological-behavioral intervention to promote physical activity in type 2 diabetes.
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11092091 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a friendly program that helps people with type 2 diabetes get more active by using positive thinking and supportive conversations, making it easier for them to overcome challenges and stick to a healthier lifestyle.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $703,070 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK133185-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092091 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who struggle to meet physical activity recommendations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already highly active or those with severe complications from diabetes that limit their ability to engage in physical activity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a psychological-behavioral intervention aimed at increasing physical activity among individuals with type 2 diabetes. It combines positive psychology techniques, such as fostering optimism and gratitude, with motivational interviewing to help patients engage more effectively in physical activity. The intervention is designed to be accessible and scalable, addressing the psychological barriers that often prevent patients from meeting recommended activity levels. By utilizing simple exercises and remote delivery methods, the research aims to create a sustainable approach to improving health outcomes for those with diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to significant improvements in physical activity levels, glycemic control, and overall health for patients with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that psychological interventions can effectively increase physical activity levels in similar populations, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huffman, Jeff C — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Huffman, Jeff C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A new behavioral program to boost physical activity for adults with type 2 diabetes
A patient-friendly program uses positive psychology and motivational interviewing to help adults with type 2 diabetes become more physically active.
-
Subtyping Core for Research on the Causes of Type 2 Diabetes (SCORE-T2D)
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Michigan Diabetes Project: A Peer-Led Self-Management Program for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
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Alzheimer’s and related dementia in older adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
This grant aims to understand why cognitive problems occur in people 65 and older who have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, using data from a long-running diabetes study to identify what drives memory and thinking decline.
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.