Using behavioral nudges to help prevent diabetes in primary care settings

Behavioral Nudges for Diabetes Prevention (BEGIN) Trial in Primary Care

NIH-funded research Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10877678

This study is looking at how friendly reminders and support can help adults with prediabetes make healthier choices and use treatments to prevent type 2 diabetes, all while working with health educators in their local clinics.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-10877678 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how behavioral nudges can encourage adults with prediabetes to adopt lifestyle changes and utilize effective treatments to prevent type 2 diabetes. The study will be conducted in primary care clinics, where health educators will provide in-person decision aids, and automated motivational messages will be sent to patients. By focusing on patient-centered approaches, the research aims to make it easier for individuals to engage in healthier behaviors and access necessary treatments. The goal is to determine which intervention is most effective in promoting diabetes prevention.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for diabetes or those who already have type 2 diabetes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diabetes prevention strategies that empower patients to make healthier lifestyle choices.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that behavioral nudges can be effective in promoting health behavior changes, although this specific application for diabetes prevention is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, 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.