RESEARCH INTERESTS
Physical activity/exercise interventions for individuals with type 2 diabetes, overweight/obesity and in vulnerable populations such as women and minority women, technology that can motivate behavior change and provide information for counseling such as continuous glucose monitoring, blue tooth enabled medication boxes, glucose meters, blood pressure cuffs, and weight scales.

BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Allen 's research focuses on using technology in counseling interventions to change physical activity behavior in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Her current research uses continuous glucose monitor feedback in combination with problem solving and physical activity counseling to increase women with type 2 diabetes physical activity behavior (Funded by the National Institute of Nursing).

Dr. Allen is certified as an adult nurse practitioner and practices in endocrinology at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, American Diabetes Association, American Association of Diabetes Educators, American College of Sports Medicine, and the Society of Behavioral Medicine.

SELECTED APPOINTMENTS & AWARDS

• Mobile Health Summer Training Institute, National Institutes of Health
  
• National Institute of Nursing Research F31NR008818-01A1
• 2008-present - Center for Self and Family Management of Vulnerable Populations - National Institute of Nursing Research: P30NR08999
• 2007-2009 Research Training Program in Self and Family Management - National Institute of Nursing Research T32NR008346-06
• 2004-2006 Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award

additional appointments & awards »

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

• Allen, N., Whittemore, R., & Melkus, G. (2011). A continuous glucose monitoring and problem-solving intervention to change physical activity behavior in women with type 2 diabetes: A pilot study. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, 13(11), 1091-1099.
• Welch, G., Allen, N., Zagarins, S., Stamp, K., Bursell, S., & Kedziora, R. (2011). Comprehensive diabetes management program for poorly controlled Hispanic type 2 patients at a community health center. The Diabetes Educator, 37, 680-688. doi: 10.1177/0145721711416257
• Zargarins, S.E., Allen, N., Garb, J.L., & Welch, G. (2011). Improved in glycemic control following a diabetes education intervention is associated with change in diabetes distress but not change in depressive symptoms. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 34. doi: 10.1007/s10865-011-9359-z.
• Zargarins, S.E., Allen, N., Skinner, S., & Welch, G. (2011). Improved exercise behaviors associated with a comprehensive structured exercise program following bariatric surgery. Bariatric Nursing and Surgical Patient Care, 6(2), 85-90. 
• Welch, G., Wesolowski, C., Zagarins, S., Kuhn, J., Romanelli, J., Garb, J., Allen, N. (2010). Evaluation of clinical outcomes for gastric bypass surgery: Results from a comprehensive follow-up study. Obesity Surgery, 21(1), 517-524.

additional publications »