Smartphone and smartwatch screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes

Mobile technologies to screen for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in asymptomatic adults

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-11332756

This project uses data from smartphones and smartwatches to spot early signs of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in adults who have no symptoms.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11332756 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If I join, I'll allow my smartphone and smartwatch to share sensor and activity data so researchers can look for patterns linked to blood sugar changes. The team will compare those device-based signals to blood tests like A1c and other glucose measures to see how well the devices detect prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. They plan to adapt algorithms they developed on research-grade wearables so the tool works on common consumer devices many people already own. Participation may include remote data sharing, short surveys, and occasional clinic visits for blood draws.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults aged 21 and older who have no symptoms but are concerned about blood sugar and who own a smartphone and/or smartwatch are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People already diagnosed with diabetes, those under 21, or those without a smartphone or smartwatch are unlikely to benefit from this screening approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could help identify prediabetes and diabetes earlier using devices you may already own.

How similar studies have performed: Similar wearable-based approaches have shown promise in smaller studies using research-grade devices, but adapting and validating them on common consumer smartphones and watches is still new.

Where this research is happening

Durham, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.