Using telemedicine to help young adults manage diabetes
Official title: Application of the Telemedicine for Reach, Education, Access, and Treatment delivery model to engage emerging adults in Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (TREAT-ED)
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11085152 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping young adults aged 18 to 25 manage their diabetes better by using online support and group sessions led by diabetes experts, making it easier and more fun for them to learn and take care of their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | May 11, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $253,707 |
| NIH project number | 5R34DK136020-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085152 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adults aged 18 to 25 who are living with type 1 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 18 to 25 or those without diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) for young adults aged 18 to 25. It aims to engage this age group, who often struggle with diabetes management, by utilizing a telemedicine model that incorporates peer support and technology. The program will be led by diabetes care specialists and will include group sessions designed to enhance decision-making and self-care skills. By tailoring the education to the unique needs of emerging adults, the research seeks to improve their diabetes management outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance diabetes management and health outcomes for young adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that telemedicine and peer-supported education can effectively improve health outcomes in similar populations.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Libman, Ingrid M — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Libman, Ingrid M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Michigan Diabetes Project: A Peer-Led Self-Management Program for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
A peer-led self-management program for adults with type 2 diabetes is being tested to see if it improves blood sugar control and daily diabetes care.
-
Adapted DSMES Digital Health for Mexican-origin Hispanics with Type 2 Diabetes
A digital health program adapted from an in-person diabetes education approach is designed to help Mexican-origin adults with type 2 diabetes improve self-management and access to care.
-
Telemedicine for diabetes and hypertension care in Latinos
A study to see how telemedicine visits (phone and video) affect diabetes and blood pressure care for Latino patients compared with non-Hispanic White patients.
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Strengths-based program to boost resilience and self-management in youths with Type 1 diabetes
A youth-focused program uses strengths-based strategies to help children and teens with Type 1 diabetes manage their care better and stay on track during early adolescence.
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Optimizing diabetes self-management programs for people with high burden of disease
Aimed at adults with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, this project tests ways to make diabetes education more engaging and effective in real-world communities.
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SmartStart: a digital diabetes self-management support for people with new type 2 diabetes who have low income
A digital program helps adults with new type 2 diabetes who have low income manage their health better right after diagnosis.
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.