Leveraging Interventions for Needs and Knowledge in Diabetes (LINKD)

Summary

Unmet social needs and economic burden persist as key reasons why one-third of people with diabetes have poor disease control. The purpose of this study is to learn whether different tools and types of support may help people manage diabetes and related challenges. The study will compare several approaches to understand how they affect people's experiences and health over time. Completion of the study aims will lead to an optimized intervention to improve the health and social well-being of people with diabetes.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one or more interventions aimed at addressing social and financial needs and will complete multiple surveys over the course of a year. The study team will collect information about their blood pressure and HbA1c (blood glucose).

Findings will advance the field by determining the effectiveness of supportive interventions to address both social needs and diabetes self-care, and by informing protocols for the optimal sequencing of these strategies, a critical evidence gap in healthcare settings.

Conditions

• Diabetes

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

FindHelp

All study participants will be assigned to engage FindHelp (www.FindHelp.org), either as a stand-alone intervention (usual care) or in combination with Peer Support and/or second-stage interventions, as applicable. FindHelp is a free website/app that connects people to local resources.

BEHAVIORAL

Peer Support

Some participants will be assigned to receive the peer support intervention, which will involve pairing participants with a peer supporter whose experience with diabetes management may help them better manage their own condition. Peer supporters will be matched with participants based on shared demographic characteristics, diabetes type, and language. Peer supporters will be trained in key peer support skills, including motivational interviewing, to help participants explore and work toward their goals.

BEHAVIORAL

Social Work

Participants will be referred to social workers within our health system, specifically with the Guest Assistance Program through Michigan Medicine. GAP connects patients with social workers knowledgeable about community and University of Michigan resources to work with them and problem-solve concerns affecting their health.

BEHAVIORAL

Financial Navigation

Participants will connect with the Patient Advocate Foundation's Case Management Program. PAF Case Management is a national program that provides free one-on-one support to eligible patients dealing with challenges related to a chronic health condition. Their case managers help people work through real-life issues, including access to medical treatment, understanding health insurance coverage, and applying for programs that may help with living expenses.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

  collaborator NIH

• University of Michigan

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

SEQUENTIAL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-08-03

Primary Completion

2030-01-31

Completion

2030-07-31

Countries

• United States

Study Locations