Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for Advancing Research on the Application of Digital Health Technology to the Management of Type 2 Diabetes

NIDDK intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for research on the application of digital health technology to the management of type 2 diabetes. The increasing availability of FDA-cleared digital health technology (DHT) for type 2 diabetes (T2D) management holds great promise for addressing current barriers to care. DHT has the capacity to improve access to the health care system, promote and enhance patient engagement and sense of empowerment, improve glycemia and other metabolic outcomes, reduce clinical inertial and provider dissatisfaction, and provide favorable economics at the HCS level. Despite the promise of DHT applications in diabetes and prediabetes management, a rigorous evidenced-based foundation, particularly for multimodality digital health interventions, is lacking. For this NOFO, DHT includes but is not limited to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), telemedicine with virtual coaching, connected digital devices (e.g., smartwatches, activity monitors, digital scales), mobile health (mHealth) applications for monitoring clinically relevant parameters such dietary intake, medication adherence, mood, behavior, and methods to facilitate bidirectional information exchange with the health care team, including directed text messaging and patient portals. The application of digital interventions utilizing peer support mechanisms to improve diabetes care also are applicable to this NOFO. Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. This NOFO will utilize the R01 (Clinical Trial Required) activity code. Investigators with expertise and insights into this area of the application of digital health technology to the management of type 2 diabetes are encouraged to begin to consider applying for this new NOFO. In addition, collaborative investigations combining expertise in digital health technology will be encouraged and these investigators should also begin considering applying for this application.