Texts and cash incentives get teens moving in prediabetes study

NCT ID NCT04874415

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether daily text messages and small financial rewards could motivate overweight teens and young adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes to be more physically active. 75 participants wore a Fitbit and received different combinations of texts and incentives over several weeks. The goal was to see if these simple tools could increase daily exercise and step counts.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: behavioral intervention (text messaging and financial incentives)
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could offer a simple, scalable way to help young people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes become more active.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed study testing short-term changes in activity, not long-term health outcomes. Results may not apply to everyone, and the effect may fade over time.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Insulin Resistance polycystic ovary syndrome prediabetes syndrome type 2 diabetes mellitus

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

INSULIN RESISTANCE POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME PREDIABETES TYPE 2 DIABETES

Contacts and locations

Locations

UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15224, United States

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