Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Exercise Training in Adolescents At-Risk for Type 2 Diabetes (CBTeX)

April 17, 2026 updated by: Colorado State University
The investigators are doing this study to learn more about how to prevent type 2 diabetes in teenage girls. The purpose of this study is to find out if taking part in a cognitive-behavioral therapy group, exercise training group, or a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and exercise training groups, decreases stress, improves mood, increases physical activity and physical fitness, and decreases insulin resistance among teenagers at risk for diabetes.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Recruiting

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Detailed Description

There has been rapid escalation in adolescent-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D), particularly in females from historically disadvantaged racial/ethnic groups. Prevention is critical because adolescent-onset T2D often shows a more aggressive disease course than adult-onset, and effective treatment options remain elusive. Standard-of-care for T2D prevention includes exercise training to ameliorate insulin resistance, a key physiological precursor to T2D. Despite short-term benefits, exercise training shows insufficient effectiveness in adolescents at-risk for T2D. Depression may be explanatory in a considerable subset of teenagers. Adolescence is notable for increases in depression and decreases in physical activity, especially in females with obesity. Youths' depression symptoms contribute to worsening insulin resistance over time, independent of BMI (kg/m2), likely through stress-mediated pathways such as reduced physical activity and fitness. Also, adolescent depression is associated with decreased physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness, even after accounting for adiposity, and depression predicts greater non-adherence to exercise training. The central theme of this proposal is that an intervention sequence of delivering cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) first, followed by intervening with exercise training second, will offer a targeted, efficacious strategy for improving insulin resistance and consequently, lowering T2D risk in adolescent females at-risk for T2D with depression symptoms. In a prior National Institute of Health (NIH) /National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) K99/R00 randomized controlled trial (RCT), the investigators found that 6-week group CBT decreased depression at 6-week follow-up in adolescent females at-risk for T2D with moderately elevated depression, compared to a 6-week didactic health education control group. Adolescents with elevated depression who were randomized to CBT had lower fasting and 2-hour insulin at 1-year vs. controls. Our preliminary data suggest that CBT's focus on enhancing frequency/enjoyment of physical activity to combat depressed mood partially explained why decreasing depression lowered T2D risk. It is not known if CBT is just as efficacious as standard-of-care exercise training, or whether CBT followed by exercise training results in a maximally potent alleviation of T2D risk in adolescent females at-risk for T2D with depression symptoms. To address these gaps and directly build on our prior work, the investigators propose a four-arm RCT to: (1) Compare the efficacy of four 6-week-->6-week sequences for improving insulin resistance in N=300 adolescent females at-risk for T2D with elevated depression symptoms: (i) CBT-->exercise, (ii) exercise-->CBT, (iii) CBT only (CBT-->continue CBT), and (iv) exercise only (exercise-->continue exercise); (2) Evaluate physical activity/fitness as mediators underlying the depression-insulin resistance association; and (3) Evaluate underlying mechanisms by which decreasing depression increases physical activity and improves fitness and insulin resistance using a mixed-methods process evaluation. Findings will support our long-term goal to identify feasible, cost-effective intervention strategies with high potential for effective dissemination to adolescents at-risk for T2D with elevated depression symptoms.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
300

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.

Study Contact Backup

Study Locations

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

12 years to 17 years (Child)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Female
  • Age 12-17 years
  • Body Mass Index (BMI)>= 85 for age and sex
  • Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) first-or second-degree relative
  • Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) total score >=21

Exclusion Criteria:

  • T2D/ Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) or any major medical condition (e.g. cardiovascular, renal) that would prohibit the ability to participate in exercise training
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) conduct disorder, substance abuse/ dependence, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, anorexia/bulimia, & schizophrenia
  • Insulin sensitizers, weight loss medications & chronic steroids
  • Structured weight loss treatment or bariatric surgery
  • Pregnancy, nursing

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Prevention
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Single

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Experimental: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy followed by Exercise Training
6-week cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention of 6 weekly 1-hour group sessions followed by a 6-week exercise training intervention of 6 weekly 1-hour group sessions
Behavioral: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy followed by Exercise Training
6-week group CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy; 1 hour/week for 6 weeks) followed by 6-week group exercise training (1 hour/week for 6 weeks). Home practice is assigned throughout the 12-week intervention period.
Other Names:
  • CBT->Exercise Training
Active Comparator: Exercise Training followed by Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
6-week exercise training intervention of 6 weekly 1-hour group sessions followed by a 6-week cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention of 6 weekly 1-hour group sessions
Behavioral: Exercise Training followed by Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
6-week group exercise training (1 hour/week for 6 weeks) followed by 6-week group CBT (1 hour/week for 6 weeks). Home practice is assigned throughout the 12-week intervention period.
Other Names:
  • Exercise Training -> CBT
Active Comparator: Exercise Training Only
6-week exercise training intervention of 6 weekly 1-hour group sessions followed by an additional 6-week exercise training intervention of 6 weekly 1-hour group sessions
Behavioral: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Only
6-week group CBT (1 hour/week for 6 weeks), with continuation of group CBT for a second 6-week period (1 hour/week for 6 weeks). Home practice is assigned throughout the 12-week intervention period.
Other Names:
  • CBT Only
Active Comparator: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Only
6-week cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention of 6 weekly 1-hour group sessions followed by an additional 6-week cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention of 6 weekly 1-hour group sessions
Behavioral: Exercise Training Only
6-week group exercise training (1 hour/week for 6 weeks), with continuation of group exercise for a second 6-week period (1 hour/week for 6 weeks). Home practice is assigned throughout the 12-week intervention period.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Insulin Resistance
Time Frame: 1-year
Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) estimated from fasting insulin and glucose as part of oral glucose tolerance testing
1-year

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Insulin sensitivity
Time Frame: 1-year
Insulin sensitivity index (ISI) derived from fasting and two-hour insulin and glucose as part of oral glucose tolerance testing
1-year
Cardiorespiratory fitness
Time Frame: 1-year
Maximum volume of oxygen (VO2 peak) during cycle ergometry testing using a graded protocol to exertion
1-year
Rate Perceived Exertion
Time Frame: 1-year
Adolescent report on the Borg Scale during cycle ergometry testing
1-year
Exercise enjoyment
Time Frame: 1-year
Adolescent report on the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES), total score
1-year
Exercise self-efficacy
Time Frame: 1-year
Adolescent report on the Exercise Self-Confidence Survey, total score
1-year
Exercise perceived capability
Time Frame: 1-year
Adolescent report on the Physical Activity, Patient-Reported outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Short Form
1-year
Depression symptoms
Time Frame: 1-year
Adolescent report on the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), total score
1-year
Depressive disorder
Time Frame: 1-year
Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Aged Youth - Computerized Version (KSADS-COMP) interview with adolescent
1-year
Eating behavior
Time Frame: 1-year
Habitual macronutrient/food group intake reported 3 days (2 weekdays, 1 weekend) on the Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Assessment Tool (ASA24)
1-year
Sleep quality
Time Frame: 1-year
Adolescent report on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, total score
1-year
Sleep disturbance
Time Frame: 1-year
Adolescent report on the Insomnia Severity Index, total score
1-year
BMI
Time Frame: 1-year
Derived from height in triplicate by stadiometer and fasting weight by calibrated scale; raw (kg/m2) and z-score/percentile based upon Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) growth charts
1-year
Adiposity
Time Frame: 1-year
Fat/fat-free mass measured via air displacement plethysmography in a fasted state (BodPod)
1-year

Other Outcome Measures

Other Outcome Measures

For clinical trials, a planned measurement described in the protocol that is used to determine the effect of an intervention/treatment on participants. For observational studies, a measurement or observation that is used to describe patterns of diseases or traits, or associations with exposures, risk factors, or treatment. Types of outcome measures include primary outcome measure and secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Dispositional mindfulness
Time Frame: 1-year
Adolescent report on the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale - Adolescent Version (MAAS-A), total score
1-year
Weight bias internalization
Time Frame: 1-year
Adolescent report on the Weight Bias Internalization Scale for Youth (WBIS-Y), total score
1-year
Body image
Time Frame: 1-year
Multidimensional Body Self-Relations Questionnaire Measure composed of 10 subscales: appearance evaluation, fitness evaluation, fitness orientation, health evaluation, health orientation, illness orientation, body areas satisfaction, overweight preoccupation, and self-classified weight.
1-year
Automatic thoughts
Time Frame: 1-year
Adolescent report of frequency of negative and positive thoughts on the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ), negative and positive scale scores
1-year
Pleasant activities
Time Frame: 1-year
Adolescent report on the frequency and perceived pleasantness of physical and social activities on the Pleasant Events Schedule (PES), frequency and pleasantness scales for physical activities and for social activities
1-year
Intervention Acceptability
Time Frame: 1-year
Equal or greater than 80% adolescent liking/credibility ratings (equal or greater than 4 on a scale of 1=not at all to 5=extremely) on a Program Acceptability Questionnaire and themes indicative of liking/perceived benefit on standardized interviews for qualitative coding
1-year

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
Colorado State University

Collaborators

Collaborators

An organization other than the sponsor that provides support for a clinical study. This support may include activities related to funding, design, implementation, data analysis, or reporting.
University of Colorado, Denver
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
June 2, 2023

Primary Completion (Estimated)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
December 31, 2028

Study Completion (Estimated)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
March 31, 2029

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
August 24, 2022

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
September 13, 2022

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
September 16, 2022

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
April 22, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
April 17, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
April 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • 22-0180
  • 1R01DK132557-01 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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