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-11015986 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $210,680 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AT011008-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015986 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents experiencing symptoms of depression and showing signs of insulin resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have symptoms of 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 adolescents who are experiencing depression and are at risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D). The approach focuses on reducing insulin resistance, which is a precursor to T2D, by addressing depression symptoms that may contribute to unhealthy behaviors and stress physiology. By participating in mindfulness practices, adolescents may learn to manage their emotions and stress better, potentially leading to improved health outcomes. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention in a controlled setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective way to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in adolescents by addressing both mental health and physical health simultaneously.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results for mindfulness-based 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.
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Using mindfulness to help adolescents with depression and insulin resistance
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.
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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.
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.