Using mindfulness to help adolescents with depression and insulin resistance

Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Depression and Insulin Resistance in Adolescents

NIH-funded research Colorado State University · NIH-11015986

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColorado State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Fort Collins, United States)
Project IDNIH-11015986 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents experiencing symptoms of depression and showing signs of insulin resistance.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have symptoms of depression or are not at risk for insulin resistance may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Fort Collins, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.