Peer Support for Type 1 Diabetes

Overseen By Holly Witteman, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Laval University

Must be taking: Insulin

Disqualifiers: Type 2 diabetes, Under 18, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

300 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores the benefits of peer support for individuals managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) or other rare, insulin-requiring forms of diabetes. It offers monthly online meetings with others in similar situations to provide mental health support and connection. The trial seeks Canadians living with T1D or caring for someone with T1D who can read English or French. Participants will help shape the Peer Support Program by sharing their experiences and feedback. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to a supportive community and enhance mental health resources for those with T1D.

What prior data suggests that this peer support program is safe for participants?

Research has shown that peer support programs are very safe for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Studies have found that these programs can boost mood and help individuals manage their diabetes more effectively. No reports of negative side effects exist, as the program involves conversations with others who understand the situation. Unlike medications or medical devices, peer support carries less risk of physical harm. Participants in past peer support studies felt less alone and more supported, making peer support a well-accepted option for managing T1D. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this peer support program for Type 1 Diabetes because it offers a fresh approach to managing the emotional and social challenges of living with the condition. Unlike traditional treatments that focus on medication and glucose monitoring, this program leverages the power of community by connecting patients through monthly Zoom meetings with peers facing similar experiences. This innovative method aims to provide emotional support and practical advice, potentially improving quality of life in a way that standard medical treatments don't address.

What evidence suggests that this peer support program is effective for type 1 diabetes?

Research shows that peer support programs can benefit people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Studies have found that these programs reduce stress and improve well-being. For example, one study found that peer leaders help individuals manage their diabetes better and feel less burdened by the disease. Another study showed that social support leads to better health and fewer dropouts from medical care. In this trial, participants in the CommuniT1D arm will receive a peer support intervention with monthly Zoom meetings alongside peers in similar situations. Overall, evidence suggests that connecting with others who understand the situation can ease living with T1D. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

The CommuniT1D trial is for individuals living with Type 1 Diabetes in Canada, including those managing their own or their child's T1D. It aims to support people who may feel isolated due to unique challenges like young children with T1D, racialized individuals facing healthcare discrimination, language barriers, or transitioning out of coverage.

Inclusion Criteria

I have type 1 diabetes or another rare form that requires insulin.

Loved ones such as a parent, child, spouse, caregiver, or friend of an individual with T1D or other rarer forms of diabetes are eligible to participate

I am 18 years old or older.

Exclusion Criteria

I am under 18 years old.

I have type 2, pre-diabetes, or gestational diabetes without any rare diabetes types.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Program Development

Co-development of the CommuniT1D virtual peer support program with people with T1D, researchers, and clinicians

Not specified

Intervention

Participants engage in monthly small group meetings and webinars as part of the CommuniT1D peer support program

24 months

Monthly virtual meetings and webinars

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in diabetes distress, quality of life, and other psychological and social measures

24 months

Surveys every 6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Peer Support Program

Trial Overview

This study tests a virtual peer support program where small groups meet monthly online and participate in larger webinars. The goal is to see if these meetings can improve mental health and well-being among participants by providing a platform for sharing experiences and advice.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: CommuniT1D arm Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

People in the intervention will be offered a peer support intervention consisting of monthly Zoom meetings with peers in similar situations.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Laval University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

439

Recruited

178,000+

Citations

1.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07317986

CommuniT1D: A Customized Virtual Peer Support Program ...

We hope that this program will help better equip people with T1D to cope with T1D-related stressors, thus improving the lives of people with T1D ...

2.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12034902/

Community-Based Peer Support for Diabetes Management

For example, one study reported the effectiveness of a peer leader program in sustaining benefits of a 6-month community health worker diabetes self-management ...

3.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1551714424002969

Clinical trial protocol for a strengths-based Peer Mentor ...

Potential benefits of diabetes-related social support include reduced dropout from medical care, less diabetes burden and distress, and improved health outcomes ...

4.

diabetesjournals.org

diabetesjournals.org/spectrum/article/25/3/180/32552/Online-Communities-Are-Valued-by-People-With-Type

Online Communities Are Valued by People With Type 1 ...

The evidence for peer support's effectiveness in improving clinical and psychological outcomes is growing.11,16–18 A recent systematic ...

5.

journals.lww.com

journals.lww.com/jodb/fulltext/2022/13010/type_1_diabetes_peer_support_groups__bridging_the.3.aspx

Type 1 Diabetes Peer Support Groups: Bridging the Gap...

The aim of this review article is to share the experience of the authors and to review available literature on T1D peer support groups to understand the role ...

6.

diabetes.jmir.org

diabetes.jmir.org/2025/1/e64267/

Exploring the Needs and Preferences of Users and Parents to ...

An analysis of the relationships between peer support and diabetes outcomes in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. J Health Psychol. 2018;23 ...

7.

diabetesresearchclinicalpractice.com

diabetesresearchclinicalpractice.com/article/S0168-8227(24)00047-0/fulltext

Benefits of 12-month peer support for diabetes self ...

Peer support (PS) is effective in diabetes management but sustained benefits have not been well documented. •. After active program support to ...

8.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8914597/

Peer Support Interventions on Digital Platforms for Children ...

This article discusses the significance of peer support and explores various digital peer support interventions in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes.