NIH-funded research R01 grant

Using mindfulness to help adolescents with depression and insulin resistance

Official title: Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Depression and Insulin Resistance in Adolescents

Funded at Colorado State University · NIH-10705267 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how teaching teens mindfulness techniques can help them feel less depressed, which might also make them healthier and lower their chances of getting type 2 diabetes.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColorado State University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Fort Collins, United States)
Project startSeptember 15, 2020
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$656,183
NIH project number5R01AT011008-04
Project IDNIH-10705267 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents experiencing symptoms of depression and at risk for insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not experience depression or are not at risk for insulin resistance may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how mindfulness-based interventions can help reduce depression symptoms in adolescents, which may in turn improve insulin resistance and lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The approach involves teaching adolescents mindfulness techniques to manage stress and emotional well-being, potentially leading to healthier behaviors and physiological responses. By focusing on the connection between mental health and physical health, the study aims to provide a holistic solution to a growing health concern among young people.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective strategies for preventing type 2 diabetes in adolescents by addressing both mental health and insulin resistance.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results for mindfulness interventions in improving mental health, but this specific approach targeting insulin resistance in adolescents is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • Colorado State University
    Fort Collins, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Shomaker, Lauren Berger — Colorado State University
  • Study coordinator: Shomaker, Lauren Berger

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Using mindfulness to help adolescents with depression and insulin resistance

    This study is looking at how mindfulness practices can help teenagers who are feeling depressed and at risk for type 2 diabetes by teaching them to manage their emotions and stress better, which could lead to healthier habits and improved well-being.

    NIH research Colorado State University · Fort Collins, United States · NIH-11015986

  • Mindfulness-enhanced brain stimulation for depression

    This project tests whether combining a breath-focused attention training with targeted brain stimulation helps people with treatment-resistant depression think more clearly and feel better.

    NIH research University of California, San Diego · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11516191

  • N-acetylcysteine and mindfulness to help mild depression in teens

    This project will see whether the supplement N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy can reduce mild depression symptoms in teens and young adults (ages 12–20).

    NIH research University of Cincinnati · Cincinnati, United States · NIH-11322058

  • Combining mindfulness techniques with brain stimulation to treat depression

    This study is exploring a new way to help people with hard-to-treat depression by using a mix of mindfulness exercises and a brain stimulation technique, hoping to boost their mental control and improve their overall well-being.

    NIH research University of California, San Diego · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11079649

  • Exploring the effects of N-acetylcysteine and mindfulness therapy on mild depression in young people

    This study is looking at how well a dietary supplement called N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and mindfulness-based therapy can help teens aged 12 to 20 with mild depression, especially those at risk for bipolar disorder, by offering safer treatment options without the side effects of regular antidepressants.

    NIH research University of Cincinnati · Cincinnati, United States · NIH-11027441

  • Mindfulness therapy for older Black adults with chronic pain and depression

    This study is creating a special version of a mindfulness program to help older Black adults who are dealing with both chronic pain and depression, making sure it fits their cultural experiences and needs.

    NIH research Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-10883665

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.