Using therapy to reduce diabetes distress in young adults with type 1 diabetes

Reducing Diabetes Distress Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

Not applicable Interventional Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NCT05000021

This study is testing if a combination of online therapy and continuous glucose monitoring can help young adults with type 1 diabetes feel less stressed about their condition.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment93 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 64 Years
SexAll
SponsorAlbert Einstein College of Medicine Academic / other
Locations2 sites (New York, New York and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05000021 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of telemedicine-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) combined with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to alleviate diabetes distress in young adults with type 1 diabetes. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial comparing the CBT intervention to CGM alone over a 6-month period. Participants will be monitored for changes in diabetes distress and glycemic control, with data collected through ecological momentary assessments and standard HbA1c measurements. The study will also include qualitative feedback from older adults with type 1 diabetes to inform future research.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are young adults aged 18-64 with type 1 diabetes, experiencing high levels of diabetes distress and elevated HbA1c levels.

Not a fit: Patients with comorbid psychiatric conditions or those currently receiving treatment for psychological issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve mental health and glycemic control for young adults living with type 1 diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using cognitive-behavioral therapy for diabetes distress, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) duration ≥6 months
* English or Spanish speaking
* At least moderate Diabetes Distress (DD) (score of ≥2 on T1D-Diabetes Distress Scale)
* Stable insulin treatment regimen (insulin prescription, use of pump, etc.) for at least 3 months prior to study enrollment

Exclusion Criteria:

* Comorbid psychiatric condition, including depression, anxiety, or suicidality, which may be independently associated with the main outcomes of DD or glycemic control. Comorbid psychiatric conditions listed above are being excluded because CBT-DD currently centers on mitigating specifically diabetes distress to improve glycemic outcomes
* In treatment for a psychological condition within the last 6 months or on a non-stable dose of psychiatric medication over the last 2 months
* Developmental or sensory disability interfering with participation
* Current pregnancy, as self-management and glycemic goals differ
* Participation in another behavioral intervention study
* Use of non-insulin medications or recent medical procedures that would impact glycemic control or use of CGM over the study
* Minors
* Subjects who do have the capacity to consent

Where this trial is running

New York, New York and 1 other locations

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 Type 1 Diabetesdiabetesdiabetes distressyoung adultcognitive behavioral therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.