NCT06014879 · Baylor College of Medicine
EMPoWER Study - Strengths-based Behavioral Intervention for Youth With Type 1 Diabetes
(EMPoWER)
What this study is about
The EMPoWER Study randomly assigned clinical trial is a strengths-based behavioral intervention delivered to youth with type 1 diabetes (age 10 to 13) and their parents.
View original scientific description
The EMPoWER Study randomized clinical trial is a strengths-based behavioral intervention delivered to youth with type 1 diabetes (age 10 to 13) and their parents. The purpose of the intervention is to improve glycemic, behavioral, and psychosocial outcomes in youth with diabetes using a multiple systems approach that engages youth, their parents, and diabetes care providers to identify and build youths' diabetes strengths. The primary aim of this study is to assess the intervention impact on glycemic control, adherence, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Secondary aims are to evaluate behavioral mediators of intervention impact and to examine intervention dose as a mediator of intervention impact.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Type 1 Doing Well (T1DW) Program
Parent and youth will each have access to a version of the app. The study app activities include parents and youth: * noticing what the youth does well for diabetes; * setting and tracking a family diabetes goal in the app; and * having a weekly meeting to review what the youth is doing well with diabetes and progress on the family diabetes goal. Parents and youth will also have access to age-appropriate libraries of videos with diabetes-specific content. Parents and youth will also have a conversation with the youth's diabetes care provider at a regularly scheduled diabetes appointment at participating hospital sites.
OTHER
Diabetes-Related Information and Resources Program
Parent and youth will receive diabetes-related information and resources in the form of electronic handouts. They will receive one handout per month by email during the 6-month intervention period. These handouts include a variety of diabetes-related topics curated by the study team. Handouts will not include any specific information about the youth's health.
Primary outcome measures
Demographic and Medical Information Questionnaire
Time frame: Baseline
Only demographic information and limited diabetes treatment information will be collected about participants in the teen videos portion of this study. Participants will complete a brief questionnaire developed by the study team, which will request self-reported information about participant demographics (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender) and medical information (e.g., time since diabetes diagnosis, current treatments).
Glycemic Control - HbA1c
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, 12 months
Point of care HbA1c values documented by the medical team at each clinic visit will be collected from the electronic health record, to assess change in glycemic outcomes. Youth will be asked to complete a home dry blood spot A1c kit at three study timepoints unless an A1c value is documented in the electronic health record within the required timeframe. The study team will mail youth a home kit with instructions, all necessary materials to collect the sample, and a pre-paid mailer to ship it back. Higher HbA1c indicates higher average blood glucose values over the previous 2-3 months, which represents poorer glycemic control.
Glycemic Control - time-in-range
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months
When available for youth who use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), 14 days' of CGM data will be downloaded at each time point by the study teams to calculate glucose time-in-range as an additional index of glycemic control. Higher time-in-range is an indicator of better glycemic control.
Adherence - Self-Care Inventory 2 (SCI-2)
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months
Parents and youth will complete the Self-Care Inventory 2 (SCI-2) Short Form. The form was adapted/shortened by the study team with permission from the original author, with validation paper forthcoming. Higher scores indicate higher adherence/more engagement in diabetes self-management behaviors.
Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL)
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months
Parents and youth willcomplete the age- and respondent-appropriate version of the Type 1 Diabetes and Life (T1DAL) measure. Psychometric data regarding the validity and reliability of the pediatric, adult, and parent/partner versions of the T1DAL are published. Total scores are on a 100-point scale, with higher scores indicating better quality of life.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- type 1 diabetes diagnosis per ADA criteria for at least 6 months,
- age 10 to 13 years at consent,
- English or Spanish fluency,
- At least one hemoglobin A1c value ≥ 7.5 % (percent) within the past 12 months (changed from ≥8.0% in March 2026)
- Patient at one of the participating study sites Parent/legal guardian of youth
- Age at least 18 years old at time of consent,
- English or Spanish fluency,
- Consistent access to a mobile phone that has texting capabilities and a device with internet access
Exclusion criteria
- Youth Being treated for:
- a major serious or acute medical condition or comorbidity (e.g. cancer, cystic fibrosis),
- a major serious psychological or psychiatric condition,
- a major serious developmental condition that would interfere with capacity for informed assent or participation or that would confound outcomes Parents/legal guardian of youth participant Being treated for:
- a major serious or acute medical condition or comorbidity (e.g. cancer, cystic fibrosis),
- a major serious psychological or psychiatric condition,
- a major serious developmental condition that would interfere with capacity for informed consent or participation or that would confound outcomes Other Exclusion Criteria
- Plans to move diabetes care out of participating hospital site within next 6 months,
- Legal guardianship of the youth with diabetes being unclear at the time of screening or recruitment,
- Study team learning of other involvement with the legal system during screening or recruitment For the Teen Videos: Inclusion Criteria:
- self-reported type 1 diabetes diagnosis for ≥ 1 year,
- age 14-17 at consent,
- English fluency,
- living in the United States Exclusion Criteria:
- major psychiatric or developmental disorders in youth or parents that would interfere with capacity for informed consent or participation,
- major medical comorbidities that would confound outcomes (e.g., cancer, cystic fibrosis). Diabetes Care Provider Participants Inclusion Criteria: \- Provider at one of the sites' diabetes care centers
Where
- Houston, Texas
Collaborators
Children's National Research Institute
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 18, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations