Translating diabetes prevention evidence-based research into practice for people with acquired brain injury

Baylor Research Institute received a $250,000 Project Grant awarded September 1, 2025, from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR, CFDA 93.433) to translate evidence-based diabetes prevention interventions into clinical practice for individuals with acquired brain injury. The award supports implementation of the Group Lifestyle Balance (GLB) program, previously adapted for traumatic brain injury (GLB-TBI) and stroke (GLB-CVA) populations through prior NIDILRR-sponsored research. Primary deliverables include an implementation plan for delivery at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-accredited test sites, a website providing users access to resources and technical assistance, comprehensive implementation and evaluation plans for disability researchers, CDC-accredited curricula, leader guides, plain-language factsheets, research summaries, and online training modules.

The project addresses the significant evidence-to-practice gap (17–20 years) by partnering with research engagement partners, individuals with lived experience, knowledge translation experts, national brain injury agencies, content experts, decision makers, and a CDC-accredited test site. Expected outcomes include engaged research partners, identification of delivery determinants and solutions, trained interventionists, and a comprehensive evaluation approach to assess both implementation effectiveness and intervention efficacy. This scale-up evaluation work supports NIDILRR's mission to improve health, functional ability, and community participation for individuals with disabilities.