Online Peer Support Group for Type 1 Diabetes

Overseen By Sophie MacColl

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City

Disqualifiers: Others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to evaluate how an online peer support group can assist teens with Type 1 Diabetes in managing their condition. Participants will join a group on Discord for three months to discuss and share experiences about living with diabetes. Researchers seek to determine if this online setting helps teens adhere to their treatment plans and feel supported. Teens in 11th or 12th grade with Type 1 Diabetes who have a smartphone or laptop and speak English might be suitable candidates for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for teens to connect and find support in managing their diabetes.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems to focus on online peer support rather than medication changes.

What prior data suggests that this online peer support group is safe for teens with Type 1 Diabetes?

Research has shown that online support groups for people with type 1 diabetes can be safe and helpful. Studies have found that these groups help individuals feel secure and connected. Participants often report better diabetes management and stronger social connections.

One study found that online support for children with type 1 diabetes is beneficial. It offers a platform to share experiences and learn from others, which can enhance emotional well-being. Many participants experience less stress about diabetes and fewer symptoms of depression.

These findings suggest that online support groups are generally well-received and can be a safe choice for those with type 1 diabetes. Although specific safety data for this trial is unavailable, past research consistently highlights the positive impact of peer support groups. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the online peer support group for Type 1 Diabetes because it offers a fresh, community-driven approach to managing the condition. Unlike traditional treatments that focus on insulin therapy and blood sugar monitoring, this method emphasizes emotional and social support from others who understand the daily challenges of living with Type 1 Diabetes. By fostering a sense of belonging and shared experience, it could improve mental health and adherence to treatment, potentially leading to better overall management of the disease.

What evidence suggests that this online peer support group is effective for Type 1 Diabetes?

Research shows that online peer support groups can benefit young people with Type 1 Diabetes. In this trial, participants will join a Peer Support Group, which studies have found improves self-care, reduces feelings of being overwhelmed, and boosts confidence in managing diabetes. Teenagers value peer support for both emotional health and practical diabetes management. Participants often gain useful tips on handling stress, thinking positively, and setting goals. These groups offer a space to share experiences and learn from others, enhancing overall diabetes care. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for teens aged 17-19 with Type 1 Diabetes, specifically those in the 11th or 12th grade who can speak English and have access to a smartphone or laptop.

Inclusion Criteria

I am in the 11th or 12th grade.

I have access to a smartphone or laptop.

I speak English.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Online Peer Support Group

Participants engage in an online peer support group using Discord for diabetes management and support

3 months

Online participation

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for feedback and adherence to diabetes management post-intervention

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Peer Support Group

Trial Overview The study is testing an online peer support group using Discord for teens with Type 1 Diabetes. It aims to see if this social platform helps with diabetes management, treatment adherence, and is user-friendly over a period of three months.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Peer Support Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City

Lead Sponsor

Trials

261

Recruited

941,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12506138/

Support-t, an online training and peer support platform to ... Secondary outcomes include self-efficacy for diabetes self-management, transition readiness, diabetes-specific quality of life, diabetes ...

2. diabetesjournals.org diabetesjournals.org/spectrum/article/35/1/26/144551/Peer-Support-Interventions-on-Digital-Platforms

Peer Support Interventions on Digital Platforms for Children ... Social support from peers has been rated important by adolescents with T1D, as peers can influence both psychosocial outcomes and diabetes self ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1751991823001626

How online peer support affects management efficacy and ... Peer-support groups on social media platforms can serve as sources of the necessary information, support, and feedback on diabetes management competence.

4. 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... Peer support groups offer emotional support and guidance with effective insights into stress management, positive thinking, and goal setting, all of which help ...

5. diabetes.jmir.org diabetes.jmir.org/2021/4/e21405/

Augmenting Traditional Support Groups for Adolescents With ... Support groups have been shown to increase self-care behaviors and decrease the perception of diabetes-related burden in young adults with T1D [ ...

6. 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.

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953624009341

'Online boundary-work': How people with diabetes ... In this article, we draw attention to the effort people with diabetes put into upholding online peer support groups as digital spaces for solidarity and ...

8. 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 ...

9. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2673-4540/6/10/116

Are There Mental Health Benefits for Those Who Deliver ... At baseline, peer supporters had little to no diabetes distress (50%) and no to mild depressive symptomatology (72%). Mean scores at baseline for diabetes ...