Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM)NCT06787859
Nature Image Exposure in Type 2 Diabetes
A study testing Nature Image Exposure in people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM), run by Dicle University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Type 2 diabetes often requires repeated procedures, including insulin self-injection and self-monitoring of blood glucose. These procedures may cause pain and lead to fear of self-injection and blood glucose testing, which may negatively affect treatment adherence and diabetes self-management. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
- What is being tested?
- Nature Image Exposure
- Type of treatment
- Injection or infusion, Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 64 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Nov 2023to 30 Nov 2024
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
None listed.
Who cannot join
- Poor mental health Having gestational diabetes mellitus or Type 1 Diabetes Vertigo Visual impairment Hearing impairment
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Dicle University Hospitals
Diyarbakır, Di̇yarbakir, 21280
About this study
Official title: Effects of Nature Image Exposure on Pain, Fear of Blood Glucose Testing and Fear of Self-injection in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Type 2 diabetes often requires repeated procedures, including insulin self-injection and self-monitoring of blood glucose. These procedures may cause pain and lead to fear of self-injection and blood glucose testing, which may negatively affect treatment adherence and diabetes self-management. Nature-based visual stimuli may serve as a simple, non-pharmacological distraction method by directing attention away from painful or fear-inducing procedures.
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of nature image exposure on pain, fear of self-injection, and fear of blood glucose testing in adults with type 2 diabetes. A total of 64 participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=32) or the control group (n=32). Participants in the intervention group viewed a standardized nature image displayed on a fixed wall-mounted screen for 3-5 minutes immediately before insulin self-injection and self-monitoring of blood glucose. Participants in the control group received standard care without nature image exposure. Outcomes were assessed using the Diabetes Fear of Injecting and Self-Testing Questionnaire and the Visual Analog Scale.
Read the detailed description
Study design This was a randomized controlled trial with blinded participants and blinded statistical analysis.
Setting and time The study was conducted between November 2023 and November 2024 in the Endocrinology Service Dicle University. The service consists of 8 rooms and 22 beds and is staffed by 5 faculty members, 4 residents, 1 diabetes education nurse, 9 clinical nurses, and 2 podologists. The diabetes education nurse provides individual education to all newly admitted patients with diabetes. This education includes insulin injection technique and rotation, insulin storage conditions, self-monitoring and follow-up, medical nutrition therapy, and exercise management. Education is also provided to patients' relatives.
Population and sample The study population consisted of 64 patients with type 2 diabetes who were followed in the Endocrinology Service of ---University -- between November 2023 and November 2024 and met the inclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria were: having been diagnosed with diabetes for at least one year, current use of insulin, ability to understand and speak Turkish, no prior exposure to nature image exposure interventions, performing insulin injections at least twice daily, and conducting blood glucose monitoring at least twice daily. Exclusion criteria included having a psychiatric diagnosis, refusal to participate, vertigo, visual or hearing impairment, and cognitive disability. Based on these criteria, eligible participants were identified, and a total of 64 patients were included in the study.
Sample size and power analysis Sample size estimation was performed a priori using G*Power version 3.1 [21] based on the fear of self-injection scale scores reported in the study by Aktura and Sarıtaş. [22] Assuming a large effect size (Cohen's d = 0.80), a statistical power of 80%, and a significance level of 5% (α = 0.05), the minimum required sample size was calculated as 42 participants, with at least 21 participants in each group. To compensate for potential participant loss and to increase the statistical robustness of the study, the sample size was expanded, and 32 participants were included in each group.
Blinding This was a randomized controlled trial in which participants were blinded to group allocation, and statistical analyses were performed by an independent statistician who was blinded to group assignments. However, outcome assessment and data collection were performed by the researcher, who was aware of group allocation; therefore, outcome assessors were not blinded.
Data collection instruments Data were collected using a Participant Information Form, the Diabetes Fear of Self-Injecting and Self-Testing Questionnaire (D-FISQ), and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
- Conditions
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
- Being tested
- Nature Image Exposure
- Keywords
- Nature Image Exposure, Pain, Fear of Self-Injection, Fear of Blood Glucose Testing, Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose, Insulin Self-Injection, Visual Distraction, Non-Pharmacological Intervention, Complementary Therapies
- Medical subject headings
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2, Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Nature Image ExposureBehavioural
Participants were individually exposed to a standardized, high-resolution nature-themed visual depicting natural environments such as forests, rivers, waterfalls, and green landscapes. The visual was displayed on a fixed wall-mounted screen in the diabetes education room for 3-5 minutes immediately before self-monitoring of blood glucose and insulin injection. Environmental conditions were standardized, including uniform room lighting, minimal noise, a fixed seating position, and a consistent viewing distance. The visual display was removed immediately after each session.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Nature Image Exposure Group | Experimental | On Day 1, participants underwent routine self-monitoring of blood glucose and insulin injection without any intervention, and baseline measurements were obtained. On Day 2, participants viewed a standardized, high-resolution nature-themed visual displayed on a fixed wall-mounted screen for 3-5 minutes immediately before self-monitoring of blood glucose and insulin injection. Post-intervention measurements were then obtained using the same instruments. Receives: Behavioral: Nature Image Exposure |
| Standard Care Control Group | No intervention | Participants received standard care without nature image exposure. On Day 1, baseline measurements were obtained following routine self-monitoring of blood glucose and insulin injection. On Day 2, participants continued routine self-monitoring of blood glucose and insulin injection without any visual intervention, after which post-test measurements were obtained using the same instruments. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Pain Intensity Assessed Using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Pain intensity associated with self-monitoring of blood glucose and insulin injection was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The VAS consists of a 10-cm (100-mm) horizontal line anchored by "no pain" at one end and "worst imaginable pain" at the other end. Participants marked the point that best represented their current pain intensity. Scores range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity. Baseline pain was assessed on Day 1 following routine self-monitoring of blood glucose and insulin injection without any intervention. Post-intervention pain was assessed on Day 2 following nature image exposure and the procedures in the intervention group or following the same procedures under standard care in the control group.
Measured: Baseline on Day 1 and post-intervention on Day 2, over two consecutive days
Secondary outcomes (1)
Change in Fear of Self-Injection and Self-Testing Assessed Using the D-FISQ
Fear of self-injection and fear of blood glucose testing were assessed using the Diabetes Fear of Injecting and Self-Testing Questionnaire (D-FISQ). The questionnaire consists of 15 items and includes two subscales: fear of self-injecting (6 items) and fear of self-testing (9 items). Each item is rated on a four-point Likert scale ranging from 0 ("almost never") to 3 ("almost always"). The fear of self-injecting subscale score ranges from 0 to 18, the fear of self-testing subscale score ranges from 0 to 27, and the total D-FISQ score ranges from 0 to 45. Higher scores indicate greater fear. Baseline measurements were obtained on Day 1 following routine self-monitoring of blood glucose and insulin injection without any intervention. Post-intervention measurements were obtained on Day 2 following nature image exposure in the intervention group or standard care in the control group.
Measured: Baseline on Day 1 and post-intervention on Day 2, over two consecutive days
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted22 Jan 2025
- Study start1 Nov 2023
- Primary completion30 Nov 2024
- Study completion30 Nov 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the nature image exposure group (n=32) or the standard care control group (n=32). Gender-stratified block randomization was used to achieve balanced allocation. Separate allocation sequences were generated for male and female participants. The initial allocation within each block was determined by a coin toss conducted by a researcher who was not involved in outcome assessment, followed by alternating allocation within the block until equal group sizes were achieved.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 64 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Dicle University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Hamdiye ARDA SÜRÜCÜ, Dicle University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06787859
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- DICLE-ARDASURUCU-001
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 27 Dec 2024
- Last updated
- 21 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 21 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Nature Image Exposure on Pain, Fear of Blood Glucose Testing and Fear of Self-injection in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06787859
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- DICLE-ARDASURUCU-001
- Conditions
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
- Keywords
- Nature Image Exposure, Pain, Fear of Self-Injection, Fear of Blood Glucose Testing, Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose, Insulin Self-Injection, Visual Distraction, Non-Pharmacological Intervention
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 64 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Dicle UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Nov 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Nov 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Nov 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 22 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Type 2 diabetes often requires repeated procedures, including insulin self-injection and self-monitoring of blood glucose. These procedures may cause pain and lead to fear of self-injection and blood glucose testing, which may negatively affect treatment adherence and diabetes self-management. Nature-based visual stimuli may serve as a simple, non-pharmacological distraction method by directing attention away from painful or fear-inducing procedures.
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of nature image exposure on pain, fear of self-injection, and fear of blood glucose testing in adults with type 2 diabetes. A total of 64 participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=32) or the control group (n=32). Participants in the intervention group viewed a standardized nature image displayed on a fixed wall-mounted screen for 3-5 minutes immediately before insulin self-injection and self-monitoring of blood glucose. Participants in the control group received standard care without nature image exposure. Outcomes were assessed using the Diabetes Fear of Injecting and Self-Testing Questionnaire and the Visual Analog Scale.
Detailed description
Study design This was a randomized controlled trial with blinded participants and blinded statistical analysis.
Setting and time The study was conducted between November 2023 and November 2024 in the Endocrinology Service Dicle University. The service consists of 8 rooms and 22 beds and is staffed by 5 faculty members, 4 residents, 1 diabetes education nurse, 9 clinical nurses, and 2 podologists. The diabetes education nurse provides individual education to all newly admitted patients with diabetes. This education includes insulin injection technique and rotation, insulin storage conditions, self-monitoring and follow-up, medical nutrition therapy, and exercise management. Education is also provided to patients' relatives.
Population and sample The study population consisted of 64 patients with type 2 diabetes who were followed in the Endocrinology Service of ---University -- between November 2023 and November 2024 and met the inclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria were: having been diagnosed with diabetes for at least one year, current use of insulin, ability to understand and speak Turkish, no prior exposure to nature image exposure interventions, performing insulin injections at least twice daily, and conducting blood glucose monitoring at least twice daily. Exclusion criteria included having a psychiatric diagnosis, refusal to participate, vertigo, visual or hearing impairment, and cognitive disability. Based on these criteria, eligible participants were identified, and a total of 64 patients were included in the study.
Sample size and power analysis Sample size estimation was performed a priori using G*Power version 3.1 [21] based on the fear of self-injection scale scores reported in the study by Aktura and Sarıtaş. [22] Assuming a large effect size (Cohen's d = 0.80), a statistical power of 80%, and a significance level of 5% (α = 0.05), the minimum required sample size was calculated as 42 participants, with at least 21 participants in each group. To compensate for potential participant loss and to increase the statistical robustness of the study, the sample size was expanded, and 32 participants were included in each group.
Blinding This was a randomized controlled trial in which participants were blinded to group allocation, and statistical analyses were performed by an independent statistician who was blinded to group assignments. However, outcome assessment and data collection were performed by the researcher, who was aware of group allocation; therefore, outcome assessors were not blinded.
Data collection instruments Data were collected using a Participant Information Form, the Diabetes Fear of Self-Injecting and Self-Testing Questionnaire (D-FISQ), and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the nature image exposure group (n=32) or the standard care control group (n=32). Gender-stratified block randomization was used to achieve balanced allocation. Separate allocation sequences were generated for male and female participants. The initial allocation within each block was determined by a coin toss conducted by a researcher who was not involved in outcome assessment, followed by alternating allocation within the block until equal group sizes were achieved.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Nature Image Exposure Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Nature Image ExposureOn Day 1, participants underwent routine self-monitoring of blood glucose and insulin injection without any intervention, and baseline measurements were obtained. On Day 2, participants viewed a standardized, high-resolution nature-themed visual displayed on a fixed wall-mounted screen for 3-5 minutes immediately before self-monitoring of blood glucose and insulin injection. Post-intervention measurements were then obtained using the same instruments. |
| Standard Care Control Group | No intervention | –Participants received standard care without nature image exposure. On Day 1, baseline measurements were obtained following routine self-monitoring of blood glucose and insulin injection. On Day 2, participants continued routine self-monitoring of blood glucose and insulin injection without any visual intervention, after which post-test measurements were obtained using the same instruments. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (0 listed)
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Poor mental health Having gestational diabetes mellitus or Type 1 Diabetes Vertigo Visual impairment Hearing impairment
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Nature Image ExposureParticipants were individually exposed to a standardized, high-resolution nature-themed visual depicting natural environments such as forests, rivers, waterfalls, and green landscapes. The visual was displayed on a fixed wall-mounted screen in the diabetes education room for 3-5 minutes immediately before self-monitoring of blood glucose and insulin injection. Environmental conditions were standardized, including uniform room lighting, minimal noise, a fixed seating position, and a consistent viewing distance. The visual display was removed immediately after each session. | Behavioural | Nature Image Exposure Group |
Primary outcome
Change in Pain Intensity Assessed Using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Time frame: Baseline on Day 1 and post-intervention on Day 2, over two consecutive days
Pain intensity associated with self-monitoring of blood glucose and insulin injection was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The VAS consists of a 10-cm (100-mm) horizontal line anchored by "no pain" at one end and "worst imaginable pain" at the other end. Participants marked the point that best represented their current pain intensity. Scores range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity. Baseline pain was assessed on Day 1 following routine self-monitoring of blood glucose and insulin injection without any intervention. Post-intervention pain was assessed on Day 2 following nature image exposure and the procedures in the intervention group or following the same procedures under standard care in the control group.
1 secondary outcome
Change in Fear of Self-Injection and Self-Testing Assessed Using the D-FISQ
Time frame: Baseline on Day 1 and post-intervention on Day 2, over two consecutive days
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 21 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Nature Image Exposure in people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM), run by Dicle University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 0 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Pain Intensity Assessed Using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (time frame: Baseline on Day 1 and post-intervention on Day 2, over two consecutive days). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 21 Sep 2026.