Intervention to Thrive With Type 1 Diabetes 2026
Emory University
Summary
This study aims to learn whether a cognitive behavioral intervention can improve lifestyle and glucose targets for adults with type 1 diabetes.
Description
Type 1 diabetes (T1D), a common yet understudied chronic condition in young adulthood, is a life-shortening disorder leading to beta-cell destruction and absolute insulin deficiency. Suboptimal glucose diabetes self-management is associated with a higher risk for premature vascular complications, both macrovascular (e.g., coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, and stroke) and microvascular (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy) through accelerated vascular aging. Yet a majority of adults with T1D do not achieve recommended glycemic targets (A1C \<7%) or blood pressure targets.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 31–75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 31 to 75 years * Type 1 Diabetes for at least 1 year * One or more sleep health dimensions are out of range Exclusion Criteria: * Non-English speaking * Recent night shift work or transmeridian travel * Life-limiting illness
Interventions
- BehavioralTranS-C Intervention Arm
This 12-week cognitive behavioral intervention uses motivational interviewing and behavior change principles, focusing on self-efficacy and action planning. Participants target 7-9 hours of sleep per night, ≥85% sleep efficiency, and \<60 minutes' variability in bed and wake times. Components include sleep education and hygiene, nightly routines, the management of competing activities, sleep environment optimization, lifestyle modifications (e.g., avoiding caffeine and vigorous exercise before bedtime), screen time reduction, basic stress management (e.g., progressive muscle relaxation), and self-monitoring. Following a baseline visit, a research assistant conducts a 60-minute telehealth session via HIPAA-compliant Zoom/Teams, with booster sessions at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Sleep time is adjusted weekly based on sleep efficiency criteria.
- BehavioralAttention Control Enhanced Usual Care (EUC) Arm
This time- and attention-balanced 12-week condition will focus on enhancing usual care. After the initial baseline visit, the RA for this group will schedule a 60-minute telehealth appointment for the enhanced usual care. Follow-up sessions (weeks 4 and 8) will focus on health perceptions, care plans, and relationship-building rather than sleep promotion. The RA will encourage participants to share their progress and confidence in their self-set goals to foster engagement and retention. Participants may engage in self-initiated diabetes management, which will be tracked using a Diabetes Self-Management Tracking Form.
Locations (2)
- Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of NursingAtlanta, Georgia
- Emory UniversityAtlanta, Georgia