Using behavioral economics to help teens with diabetes manage their insulin use
Official title: Coin2Dose: Behavioral economics to promote insulin BOLUS activity and improve HbA1c in teens
Funded at Nemours Children's Clinic · NIH-10597657 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help teenagers with type 1 diabetes manage their insulin better by using fun rewards to encourage them to take their insulin every day, making it easier for them to keep their blood sugar levels in check.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nemours Children's Clinic NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jacksonville, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $295,233 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK128862-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10597657 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents diagnosed with type 1 diabetes who have difficulty managing their insulin use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have type 1 diabetes or those who are already effectively managing their insulin may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to improve insulin management in adolescents with type 1 diabetes by implementing a novel intervention that uses behavioral economics incentives. The approach focuses on encouraging daily insulin bolus activity, which is crucial for maintaining optimal blood sugar levels. By testing the feasibility and acceptability of this semi-automated intervention, the study seeks to enhance self-management behaviors among teens who struggle with insulin adherence. Participants will be monitored for their insulin use and blood glucose levels to assess the effectiveness of the intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved blood sugar control and reduced risk of complications for adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that behavioral economics interventions can effectively promote health behaviors in youth, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Nemours Children's Clinic
Jacksonville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patton, Susana R — Nemours Children's Clinic
- Study coordinator: Patton, Susana R
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.