Our Research
Family Intervention for Black Teens with Type 1 Diabetes (3Ms)
The purpose of this study is to conduct a multicenter, randomized effectiveness trial of the 3Ms 2.0 compared to an educational control condition for improving adolescent glycemic control and diabetes-related family relationships and reducing primary caregiver diabetes-related distress among Black adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their primary caregivers. The proposed study would develop and test the 3Ms 2.0 adapted intervention when delivered using a mobile health approach. The intervention will also include new family intervention content.
Accessibility and Treatment Quality in Mental Health Treatment for Youth with Type 2 Diabetes
The interdisciplinary Type 2 diabetes (T2D) clinic at Children’s National Hospital (CNH) is equipped with a team to provide youth with comprehensive diabetes care. Access to pharmacotherapy among youth diagnosed with depression remains low. We aim to investigate whether initiation of pharmacotherapy for patients with T2D and depression is feasible in an outpatient setting to improve access to treatment. Goals include increasing access to pharmacotherapy for depression, reduced self-reported depression and improve glycemic control.
Health Literacy and Pediatric Type 2 Diabetes: Developing Culturally Responsive Family Interventions
Families of children with type 2 diabetes (T2D), especially those from historically marginalized communities, have greater difficulty implementing and sustaining healthy lifestyle changes and self-management behaviors for several reasons that include systemic policies and psychosocial stressors. A key component of psychosocial stressors includes impairments in health literacy (HL). Families with low HL are at increased risk for poor diabetes outcomes such as poor glycemic control, retinopathy and end-stage renal disease. This study aims to collect baseline data among families of youth with T2D to expand upon the literature and inform development of evidenced based treatment plans.