Fusing Rapid-cycle Testing and Adaptive Trial Designs: A Scientific Pipeline to Translate and Individualize Evidence-based Psychosocial and Behavioral Interventions in Routine Type 1 Diabetes Care
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Summary
This study is designed to compare two behavioral approaches to reduce diabetes distress ("the expected burdens, concerns, fears, and threats that arise from the challenges of living with diabetes") in adults with type 1 diabetes. At the study baseline, participants will be randomized to take part in one of two virtual, group-based interventions (the "Primary" intervention) utilizing either an emotions-focused or a problem-solving approach to reduce diabetes distress. After the initial intervention, participants will complete surveys to assess their response to the material. Participants who are determined to be "non-responders" (i.e., the Primary intervention was not effective) will be re-randomized to one of two "Supplementary" interventions, which will include individualized sessions to learn and/or practice strategies related to either the psychological or problem-solving approach.
Description
The study will compare the effectiveness of an emotions-focused approach with a problem-solving based approach to reduce diabetes distress (DD). The investigators will enroll N=200 adults 30 years and older with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and elevated DD from a single clinical site to participate in a 12-week study. All interventions and assessments will be delivered in a pragmatic and entirely virtual format. The investigators will utilize a precision medicine trial design (Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial; SMART) to compare two evidence-based, virtual group interventions to reduce…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 30+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults 30 years and older * Type 1 diabetes OR latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) clinically managed as type 1 diabetes * Elevated diabetes distress, defined as a score \>= 2.0 on the T1-DDAS core scale * English speaking Exclusion Criteria: * Does not receive diabetes care at UNC Endocrinology at Eastowne * Cannot commit to the pre-scheduled weekly, virtual sessions * Diagnosis of any major medical or psychiatric condition that would preclude participation * Diagnosis of dementia or other conditions that affect memory or information retention, such as cogniti…
Interventions
- BehavioralReCharge
ReCharge is an emotions-focused intervention that utilizes core components of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to address and minimize diabetes distress. This 5-week, group-based, virtual intervention will include a stepwise process to address diabetes distress and provide opportunities to practice new skills. Weekly assignments between the sessions will reinforce class material and give additional practice opportunities. Participants will be expected to interact in each session and will have opportunities to share their experiences and be engaged in discussion with the group and the facilitator.
- BehavioralTakeCharge
TakeCharge is a problem-solving focused intervention that empowers participants to identify and make meaningful changes in their blood glucose management and other diabetes-related behaviors. This 5-week, group-based, virtual intervention will include a stepwise process to analyze data and resolve challenging situations surrounding diabetes management and provide opportunities to practice new skills. Weekly assignments between the sessions will reinforce class material and give additional practice opportunities. Participants will be expected to interact in each session and will have opportunities to share their experiences and be engaged in discussion with the group and the facilitator.
Location
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, North Carolina