Turtle power: pet therapy may boost diabetes management
NCT ID NCT07298837
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether caring for a live turtle or watching turtle videos could help adults with type 2 diabetes improve their blood sugar control and feel more confident about taking their diabetes medication. Fifty-one participants were split into three groups: live turtle care, turtle videos, or usual care. Over 12 weeks, researchers measured changes in HbA1c (a blood sugar marker) and self-efficacy (confidence in medication use). The goal was to see if a simple, enjoyable activity like pet therapy could support diabetes management.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- turtle therapy (live turtle care or turtle videos)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple, low-cost way to help people with type 2 diabetes better manage their blood sugar and feel more confident about taking their medication.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early study with only 51 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The effect of turtle therapy on blood sugar is unproven, and caring for a pet may not be practical or appealing for all patients.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PET-HUMAN BONDING are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Gümüşhane University
Gümüşhane, 29600, Turkey (Türkiye)
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Could a blood flow 'Tourniquet' workout repair diabetic nerve damage?
- Could a common diabetes drug weaken your bones?
- Can a spice and a mindset shift ease diabetic nerve pain?
- Ancient wisdom meets modern care: could chinese medicine boost diabetes Self-Management?
- Could a peptide injection help rebuild Insulin-Making cells?
- A pill for diabetes? new oral drug aims to rival injections