Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Depression and Insulin Resistance in Adolescents

What this study involves

The registry does not currently label this study as recruiting. Ask about its status before planning a screening visit.

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Age range

12 years - 17 years

Sex eligible

All sexes

Healthy volunteers

Accepted

Participants

120 Actual

These are starting points, not an eligibility decision. The research team must review the full requirements.

About the research

Rates of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adolescents have escalated. Adolescent-onset is associated with greater health comorbidities and shorter life expectancy than adult-onset T2D. T2D is preventable by decreasing insulin resistance, a physiological precursor to T2D. T2D prevention standard-of-care is lifestyle intervention to decrease insulin resistance through weight loss; yet, this approach is insufficiently effective in adolescents. Adolescents at risk for T2D frequently experience depression, which predicts worsening insulin resistance and T2D onset, even after accounting for obesity. Mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) may offer a targeted, integrative health approach to decrease depression, and thereby, ameliorate insulin resistance in adolescents at risk for T2D. In a single-site, pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), we established initial feasibility/acceptability of a 6-week group MBI program, Learning to BREATHE, in adolescents at risk for T2D. We demonstrated feasible single-site recruitment, randomization, retention, protocol adherence, and MBI acceptability/credibility in the target population. Our preliminary data also suggest MBI may lead to greater reductions in stress-related behavior, vs. CBT and a didactic/health education (HealthEd) control group. The current study is multisite, pilot RCT to test multisite fidelity, feasibility, and acceptability in preparation for a future multisite efficacy trial that will have strong external validity, timely recruitment, and long-term follow-up. Adolescents (N=120) at risk for T2D will be randomized to MBI vs. CBT vs. HealthEd and followed for 1-year. Specific aims are to: (1) test multisite fidelity of training and implementation of 6-week group MBI, CBT, and HealthEd, to teens at risk for T2D; (2) evaluate multisite feasibility/acceptability of recruitment, retention, and adherence for an RCT of 6-week group MBI, CBT, HealthEd with 6-week and 1-year follow-up; and (3) modify intervention training/implementation and protocol procedures in preparation for a future, fully-powered multisite efficacy RCT.

Who may be able to participate?

The list below is the sponsor’s full registry wording. It can include conditions, prior treatment, test results and other requirements. A match in search does not mean you qualify.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adolescent: Age 12-17 years
• At-risk for T2D:

Overweight/obesity: BMI ≥85 percentile for age and sex Family history of T2D: ≥1 relative with T2D, prediabetes, or gestational diabetes in first- or second- degree relative, referring to a biological parent, sibling, aunt, uncle, or grandparent

• Elevated depression symptoms: Center for Epidemiological Studies - Depression Scale (CES-D) total score \>20
• Good general health: Medical history/physical examination
• Parent/guardian: Parent/guardian of qualifying participant

Exclusion Criteria:

• Major medical problem: including T2D, assessed at baseline/screening as fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL or 2-hour glucose ≥200 mg/dL, or any other significant medical condition reported during the medical history/physical examination
• Major psychiatric problem: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-5 psychiatric diagnosis, including anorexia nervosa, bipolar disorder, bulimia nervosa, conduct disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, psychosis, and substance/tobacco/alcohol use disorder
• Regular medication use affecting mood, insulin, and/or weight: anti-anxiety medications, anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, insulin sensitizers, mood stabilizers, stimulants, and weight loss drugs
• Active suicidal ideation or behavior
• Regular psychotherapy or structured weight loss treatment
• Pregnancy: as reported by adolescent participants (females)

Treatment, groups and participation

The registry may describe treatments and study duration without a complete visit calendar. Ask the study team for the exact schedule, procedures, risks, costs and alternatives. Keep your usual care plan unless your treating clinician tells you otherwise.

Assignment

Random assignment

Masking

Double masked

What researchers are measuring

Outcome measures describe what is being studied. They are not proof that a treatment works.

Primary measures

Secondary measures

Research locations (4)

The overall study status and a local site’s status can differ. Confirm that location’s availability before traveling.

4 locations

Study team and timeline

Lead sponsor

Colorado State University

Study start

May 5, 2022 Actual

Primary completion

Dec 21, 2024 Actual

Study completion

May 26, 2025 Actual

First posted

Aug 5, 2021 Actual

Last updated

Nov 10, 2026 Actual

Official study contacts

No central contact is listed. Check the locations and the official record.