Using future thinking to help manage type 2 diabetes in patients

Episodic Future Thinking to Improve Management of Type 2 Diabetes in Rural and Urban Patients: Remote Delivery and Outcomes Assessment to Increase Reach and Dissemination

['FUNDING_R01'] · VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV · NIH-10683258

This study is looking at how imagining positive future health benefits can help people with type 2 diabetes stick to their treatment plans, like eating better and staying active, and it aims to make this helpful technique available online for everyone, no matter where they live.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorVIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10683258 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how imagining positive future outcomes can help patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) adhere to their treatment plans, which include dietary changes, physical activity, and medication. By using a technique called episodic future thinking (EFT), patients will learn to visualize their future health benefits, potentially improving their motivation and management of the disease. The study will explore the feasibility of delivering this intervention remotely, making it accessible to both rural and urban patients. The goal is to assess how effectively this approach can enhance patient outcomes and overall diabetes management.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who are seeking to improve their management of the condition.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have type 2 diabetes or those who are unable to engage in the required lifestyle changes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved management of type 2 diabetes, helping patients achieve better health outcomes and reduce complications.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data suggests that similar approaches using episodic future thinking have shown promise in improving weight loss and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Where this research is happening

BLACKSBURG, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus, Ketosis-Resistant Diabetes Mellitus, Maturity-Onset Diabetes Mellitus, Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.