A self-management plus mind body intervention for adolescents and young adults with type 2 diabetes: Trial design and methodological report

BACKGROUNDThe onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasingly common in adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Improving self-management skills and the mental health of this population is important, but understudied. METHODSThe goal of this research was to develop a mind-body intervention which could serve as an adjunctive therapy to support AYAs with T2D (INTEND intervention). Toward that end, we used an iterative process, including use of focus groups, advisory board, and cognitive semi-structured interviews with patients, parents of patient and clinical providers, to understand the gaps in the current information provided to AYAs with T2D. Based on the data gathered from the focus groups and interviews, we enhanced an existing self-management intervention for adults with T2D to include an additional mind body intervention for AYAs with T2D. The INTEND intervention will be piloted in a group of AYAs with T2D. RESULTSThis report describes the methodology and design of the InterveNTion for Early oNset type 2 Diabetes (INTEND) study. The details of this single arm pre-post pilot feasibility trial are described. DISCUSSIONIf successful, the INTEND approach has the potential to advance care for vulnerable youth with T2D.