Impact of Integrated Pet Care on Glycemic Control and Diabetes Responsibility

Launched by DUKE UNIVERSITY · Sep 13, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring whether having a pet fish can help young people with type 1 diabetes better manage their condition. The researchers want to see if caring for a fish, along with training in communication skills, can improve how well these kids control their blood sugar levels. They are particularly looking at early adolescents aged 10 to 13 who have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes for at least a year and who currently have difficulty keeping their blood sugar in a healthy range.

To join the study, participants need to be fluent in English or Spanish, use a blood sugar monitor that tracks their levels, and either already have a pet fish or be willing to get one if chosen for the trial. The study is not yet recruiting participants, but if accepted, families can expect to engage in both diabetes management activities and pet care, which may help improve their overall health and responsibility. It's an exciting opportunity for those looking to enhance their diabetes care in a fun and engaging way!

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • age 10-13 years (inclusive)
• • diagnosis of T1DM for at least one year
• • fluency in English or Spanish, (d) recent HbA1c value 7.5% - 14%
• • utilization of a CGM or glucometer that links with software to enable viewing and documentation in daily report including a section to enter "notes" (i.e. CGM/software, Dexcom/Clarity; Freestyle Libre/LibreView; AccuChek,OneTouch (glucometers)/MySugr)
• • current pet fish at home or willingness to obtain a pet fish if randomized to that intervention.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • clinical or laboratory characteristics suggestive of type 2 DM
• • involvement in foster care
• • dual-home living situation
• • severe psychiatric disorders
• • developmental delay or cognitive impairment that make it difficult to establish consistent diabetes and pet care behaviors
• • current participation in another study that may impact glycemic control
• • HbA1c \>14% (because these individuals may need a more intensive intervention than this is intended to provide)
• • lack of a computer or compatible cell phone for uploading CGM or glucometer data.