Research Description
One-in-four youth in the US are currently living with prediabetes, most of whom don’t even know they have prediabetes, and those with social or economic disadvantages are even more likely to be affected. Without intervention, prediabetes is likely to progress into type 2 diabetes within 10 years. With lifestyle changes and weight loss, prediabetes can be reversed. However, adolescents/young adults (AYA) are the least likely to access proven diabetes prevention programs that can help them reduce their diabetes risk and build a healthier future. This purpose of this study is to address this missed opportunity for prevention by testing youth-focused enhancements to the delivery of diabetes prevention programs for vulnerable AYA. In order to achieve this goal, investigators will test program enhancements (developed with input from key stakeholders) to determine if they are effective at helping AYA to enroll in the program, stay in the program, and make positive lifestyle changes during the program. Investigators will then follow-up with successful participants to understand how this program can be successfully implemented in other settings. Prevention is key and targeted prevention earlier on in someone’s life has the opportunity to create the maximum impact across their life course. This project can make a significant contribution to how diabetes prevention is done but helping to ensure that prevention efforts are started as early as possible and that those efforts are directed to people who are most at risk of experiencing long-term impacts on their health.Research Profile
What area of diabetes research does your project cover? What role will this particular project play in preventing, treating and/or curing diabetes?This project aims to expand uptake of the evidence-based Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) among university students who are at high-risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
If a person with diabetes were to ask you how your project will help them in the future, how would you respond?Adolescents and young adults are increasingly at risk for early-onset prediabetes and type 2 diabetes yet there are very few programs that promote diabetes prevention and are specifically tailored to the unique needs of young people. Results from this study will aid in developing diabetes prevention efforts that meet the needs of young people who are at risk for diabetes.
Why important for you, personally, to become involved in diabetes research? What role will this award play?As someone personally affected by diabetes, I understand the importance of innovative research and clinical care aimed at improving the lived experience of persons with diabetes. This award will provide vital support for testing a novel, youth-tailored version of the diabetes prevention program for vulnerable students.
In what direction do you see the future of diabetes research going?For many individuals, diabetes is a nearly lifelong illness and I see diabetes research continuing to focus on how we can address the psychosocial toll of preventing or managing diabetes risk throughout someone’s life. By focusing on younger populations, I am hopeful future research can set individuals up for success in managing diabetes-related stress over the long term.