NIH-funded research Career grant

Using mindfulness to help African Americans with type 2 diabetes reduce stress and improve sleep.

Official title: My ESSENCE - Mindfulness to Reduce Stress, Improve SIeep, and Reduce Cardiovascular Risk in African-Americans with Type 2 Diabetes

Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11001689 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking for African Americans with type 2 diabetes to try out a special mindfulness meditation program that uses text messages to help improve sleep, reduce stress, and support heart health over eight weeks.

More Diabetes research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Chicago
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Project startFebruary 15, 2020
Project endJuly 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$75,600
NIH project number3K01HL149775-05S1
Project IDNIH-11001689 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are African American adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not identify as African American or those without a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on African Americans with type 2 diabetes, who face higher risks of cardiovascular disease due to stress and poor sleep. The project aims to adapt a mindfulness meditation program specifically for this group, incorporating text messaging to enhance engagement. Participants will take part in an 8-week pilot program to evaluate how mindfulness can improve their sleep quality, reduce stress, and positively impact cardiovascular health markers. The study will measure changes in blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and inflammation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cardiovascular health and quality of life for African Americans with type 2 diabetes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that mindfulness interventions can be effective in improving health outcomes for various populations, suggesting potential success for this adapted approach.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Illinois at Chicago
    Chicago, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Biggers, Alana — University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Study coordinator: Biggers, Alana

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.