Using pet care to help manage diabetes in adolescents
Official title: Impact of Integrated Pet Care on Glycemic Control and Diabetes Responsibility
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10975537 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how taking care of a pet fish can help kids with type 1 diabetes feel more confident and get their parents more involved in managing their diabetes, by doing things like checking blood sugar and caring for the fish together.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $349,995 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK138027-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10975537 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are early adolescents aged 0-20 years with type 1 diabetes who struggle with self-management and adherence to treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with type 2 diabetes or those who do not have access to a supportive family environment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how incorporating the care of a pet fish into diabetes management routines can improve self-efficacy and parental involvement in early adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Participants will receive a Betta fish and will be guided to perform blood glucose monitoring and fish care activities together with their parents. The study aims to assess the feasibility and effects of this approach on blood glucose control and adherence to diabetes management tasks. By combining pet care with communication skills training, the research seeks to create a supportive environment for adolescents managing their diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance diabetes management and improve glycemic control in adolescents through innovative family-based interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that family involvement and innovative interventions can positively impact diabetes management, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gupta, Olga Theresa — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Gupta, Olga Theresa
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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.