Mindfulness education for adults with diabetes distress

Mindfulness-Based Diabetes Education for Adults With Elevated Diabetes Distress

NA · University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT05195138

This study is testing a new mindfulness program for adults with type 2 diabetes who are feeling stressed about their condition to see if it helps them manage their diabetes better than standard education.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment96 (estimated)
Ages19 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham (other)
Locations1 site (Birmingham, Alabama)
Trial IDNCT05195138 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot randomized controlled trial compares Mindfulness-Based Diabetes Education (MBDE) to standard Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) for adults with type 2 diabetes experiencing elevated diabetes distress. The study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of MBDE among participants receiving care from safety-net healthcare systems. Approximately 96 participants will be recruited and randomized to either intervention group, with qualitative interviews and process measures used to evaluate outcomes over a 6-month period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 19-70 with type 2 diabetes and moderate-severe diabetes distress receiving care at specific safety-net clinics.

Not a fit: Patients who are non-English speaking, currently pregnant, or have severe psychiatric comorbidities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve diabetes management and reduce distress for patients with type 2 diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using mindfulness-based interventions for chronic conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 19-70 years
2. Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (based on the presence of two or more outpatient International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) codes for type 2 diabetes
3. Receipt of care at Cooper Green Mercy Health Systems Authority or Alabama Regional Medical Services (one or more visits to primary care or diabetes clinic within the prior year
4. Presence of moderate-severe diabetes distress (score ≥2 on Diabetes Distress Scale
5. Suboptimal glycemic control (elevated hemoglobin A1c (A1C) ≥7.5%)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Non-English speaking
2. Currently pregnant
3. Diagnosis of severe psychiatric comorbidity including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or a history of psychosis (based on participant self-report)

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Type 2 Diabetes, Diabetes distress, Mindfulness-based diabetes education

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.