Family-focused lifestyle intervention for reducing diabetes and heart disease risk in rural communities

Heart of the Family: A Cardiovascular Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Risk Reduction Intervention in High-Risk Rural Families

Not applicable Interventional University of Kentucky · NCT04891575

This study is testing a virtual program that helps rural Hispanic and non-Hispanic adults and their families make healthier lifestyle choices to lower their risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment540 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Kentucky Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lexington, Kentucky)
Trial IDNCT04891575 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates a virtual lifestyle modification intervention aimed at reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease among rural Hispanic and non-Hispanic adults. It involves a randomized controlled design where participants are either enrolled individually or with a family member. The intervention includes eight educational sessions focused on healthy lifestyle behaviors, followed by monthly follow-ups from community health workers over a year. The study aims to assess both biological and behavioral risk factors for these conditions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are rural-dwelling Hispanic and non-Hispanic adults aged 18 and older with two or more risk factors for type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

Not a fit: Patients without internet access or those who do not have a family member willing to participate may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in high-risk rural populations.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with family-based lifestyle interventions, indicating potential for this culturally tailored approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Primary participants are rural-dwelling Hispanic and non-Hispanic adults who are at-risk for type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease and have a family member who is willing to participate if the primary participant is randomly selected to participate with a family member.

Inclusion criteria for the primary participant:

* Is Hispanic or non-Hispanic adult
* Is 18 years of age and older
* Is a primary Spanish or English speaker
* Has internet access
* Has two or more risk factors for type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease including:

  1. clinical diagnosis of hypertension;
  2. clinical diagnosis of hyperlipidemia;
  3. clinical diagnosis of prediabetes;
  4. overweight or obese (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2);
  5. is a current cigarette smoker;
  6. male 45 years of age or older or female 55 years of age or older;
  7. family history in first degree relative of type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease; or
  8. is a female with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus or polycystic ovary syndrome.
* Lives in rural Kentucky
* Is willing to participate in the study for the next 12 months

Inclusion criteria for the co-participating family member if primary participant is randomly selected to participate with a family member

* Is 18 years of age and older
* Is a primary Spanish or English speaker
* Lives in the same household or in close proximity (no further than 25 miles distance) to the primary participant
* Has internet access
* Is willing to participate in the study for the next 12 months

Exclusion Criteria:

Exclusion criteria for family dyads:

Primary participant and family member participant will be excluded if they:

* Have cognitive impairment that preclude them from understanding the consent process, answering questionnaires, or participating in the intervention;
* Have a major psychiatric (e.g., schizophrenia) condition;
* Are pregnant or nursing or plan on becoming pregnant within the next year since dietary needs will be different.

Exclusion criteria that apply only to the primary participant:

* Have known coronary artery or cerebrovascular disease;
* Have a diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes;
* Have medical contraindications to participate in a lifestyle intervention that includes unsupervised physical activity and weight loss

Where this trial is running

Lexington, Kentucky

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2Cardiovascular Diseaseslifestyle modificationruralHispanicnon-Hispanicdyadfamily
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.