AHEAD Program to support 16–19-year-olds with type 1 diabetes as they move to adult care
Official title: Achieving Health in Emerging Adults With Diabetes (AHEAD) Study
Run by University of British Columbia · NCT07292558 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether the AHEAD Program helps 16–19-year-olds with type 1 diabetes keep their blood sugar under better control while moving from pediatric to adult care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 16 Years to 19 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 306 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of British Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Seattle, Washington) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2028 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | December 30, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07292558 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are 16–19-year-olds with type 1 diabetes for at least 12 months, a recent HbA1c ≥7.0%, currently receiving outpatient diabetes care at a Seattle Children’s Diabetes Clinic, able to complete written surveys, and able to receive clinical care in Washington State for the next two years.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with well-controlled blood sugar (HbA1c below 7.0%), those who already had an AHEAD pilot visit or whose most recent visit was with a current AHEAD provider, and people who cannot attend Seattle Children’s clinics or remain in Washington State for two years are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized study will enroll 306 emerging adults with type 1 diabetes (ages 16–19) and a recent HbA1c ≥7.0% who receive care at Seattle Children’s clinics. Participants are randomly assigned to the AHEAD Program — a tailored, theory-based transition support intervention delivered every three months — or to usual care, with six clinic visits and surveys completed before visits. Primary outcomes include changes in glycemia and participant-reported measures such as diabetes distress and transition readiness; the study also measures cost and cost-effectiveness. AHEAD focuses on building autonomy and competence through coordinated team support to promote independent diabetes self-management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, AHEAD could help young people gain independence, lower average blood sugar, reduce diabetes-related distress, and make the move to adult care smoother, potentially lowering long-term complications.
How similar studies have gone: Other transition-support programs grounded in self-determination theory have shown improvements in transition readiness and self-management in smaller or nonrandomized studies, but large randomized evidence for clinic-delivered transition programs remains limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 16-19 years of age 2. Have had type 1 diabetes ≥ 12 months 3. Had a recent HbA1c ≥7.0% 4. Currently receive outpatient diabetes care at a Seattle Children's Hospital Diabetes Clinic located in Bellevue, Everett, Federal Way, or Seattle 5. Are able to complete written surveys 6. Will be able to receive clinical care in WA State for the next 2 years Exclusion Criteria: 1. Have had a pilot program AHEAD clinic visit 2. Most recent Usual Care diabetes visit was with a current AHEAD provider
Where it's running
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Seattle Children's
Seattle, Washington, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Faisal S Malik, MD, MSc — University of British Columbia
- Study coordinator: Beth Loots, MPH, MSW
- Email: beth.loots@seattlechildrens.org
- Phone: 206-884-4488
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.