A new behavioral program to boost physical activity for adults 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-11337490 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly program uses positive psychology and motivational interviewing to help adults with type 2 diabetes become more physically active.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $577,562 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK133185-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11337490 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with type 2 diabetes who are not meeting recommended physical activity levels and are willing to engage in a behavioral program.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals unable to participate in physical activity or with conditions that contraindicate increased activity may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to help adults with type 2 diabetes start and maintain more physical activity through a combination of positive psychology exercises and motivational interviewing, which can be delivered remotely. It builds on evidence that optimism and positive mood are linked to more activity and better health, and it seeks to translate that into a practical, scalable intervention. The research will test how well this approach works in real-world clinical settings and may include remote coaching and self-monitoring tools. If successful, this program could become an accessible option for modern diabetes care that fits into busy lifestyles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience better blood sugar control and lower cardiovascular risk through an easier-to-implement activity program.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows positive psychology and motivational interviewing can boost activity when combined with other programs, but results vary and scalable delivery remains a goal.
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 approach to encourage exercise in people with type 2 diabetes.
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.
-
Subtyping Core for Research on the Causes of Type 2 Diabetes (SCORE-T2D)
A new U01 grant from a university research team aims to understand why Type 2 diabetes differs so much between people and how to tailor prevention and treatment.
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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.
-
Alzheimer’s and dementia risk in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
This grant aims to understand why some older adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes develop memory problems or dementia.
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Personalized use of newer diabetes medicines for Type 2 diabetes
Aiming to tailor use of newer glucose-lowering drugs for people with type 2 diabetes to improve health and access in real-world settings.
-
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.