RecruitingObservational

Type 1 insulin dosing strategies and eating behaviours

Living with type 1 diabetes involves daily decisions about food. Counting carbohydrates and planning insulin doses can sometimes affect a young person's relationship with eating. This study aims to understand how young people aged 12 to 25 calculate their insulin doses and estimate carbs in everyday meals. Researchers want to learn if certain dosing strategies are linked to eating challenges or disordered eating. They are also testing two new questionnaires designed to measure these skills and habits. Taking part is completely online from home. Depending on which part of the study you join, you will either do an online video interview or fill in an online survey. You do not need to change your usual diabetes medications or visit a hospital. The findings will help doctors and nurses offer better support to young people living with type 1 diabetes across the UK.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Bristol

Enrolment target

229

Start

02 Jul 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Type 1 diabetes

What is this study about?

Living with type 1 diabetes requires constant attention to food. Working out how many carbohydrates are on your plate and calculating the right insulin dose is an everyday task. For many young people, this non-stop focus on food, portion sizes, and numbers can sometimes cause stress or lead to unhealthy eating habits.

This research project looks closely at how young people manage their insulin and make food choices. The researchers want to find out whether particular methods of counting carbs or choosing insulin doses make someone more likely to develop eating problems, feel anxious, or struggle with food.

To investigate this, the study team at the University of Bristol is testing two new questionnaires. These tools measure insulin dosing habits and carbohydrate counting skills. By understanding these habits better, NHS doctors and nurses hope to identify early signs of eating distress and provide kinder, more effective support.

Key takeaways

Open to people aged 12 to 25 with type 1 diabetes living in England, Scotland, or Wales.
Explores how carbohydrate counting and insulin habits relate to eating behaviours.
Completely online with no hospital visits or medication changes required.
Involves either a video interview talking through questions or an online survey.
Includes an optional prize draw for a £50 Amazon voucher.

Who may be eligible?

You may be able to join this study if you are between 12 and 25 years old and have had a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes for at least three months. You must also live in England, Scotland, or Wales and be able to read and understand English.

You cannot take part if you are 11 years old or younger, or if you are 26 years old or older. You also cannot join if you were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes less than three months ago, as getting used to a new diagnosis takes time and care.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am between 12 and 25 years old.
I have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes for at least 3 months.
I live in England, Scotland, or Wales.
I can read and understand written English.
I have access to the internet to complete an online survey or video call.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study is entirely online, so you do not need to travel to a clinic or hospital. You do not need to take any new medications, and you will continue your normal insulin routine throughout.

Participants take part in one of two stages. In the first stage, you join an online video call via Microsoft Teams to go through a questionnaire, talk through your answers, and estimate carbs from photos of meals. In the second stage, you complete an online survey about your insulin dosing, everyday health, feelings about food, and diabetes management. Up to 50 people may be invited to complete a short follow-up survey two weeks later to see how reliable the questions are. In total, taking part takes only an hour or two of your time.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part will not directly improve your diabetes control, but your answers will help researchers build better tools to support young people with type 1 diabetes in the future. You can also choose to enter an optional prize draw to win a £50 Amazon voucher. Some questions ask about personal feelings and eating habits, which might feel sensitive or uncomfortable. The study team provides contact details for eating disorder and diabetes support services at the end of the survey. Taking part is completely your choice, and you can stop at any time without giving a reason or affecting your usual NHS care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre
City only
Bristol, England

Common questions

Do I need to visit a hospital or clinic to take part?

No. Everything takes place online using your computer, phone, or tablet from the comfort of your home.

Will taking part change my diabetes treatment or insulin?

No. You will not receive any new medicines and you should continue managing your diabetes exactly as your healthcare team advises.

What happens if answering questions about eating makes me uncomfortable?

You can skip any questions you do not wish to answer or leave the study at any point. Helpful information and support links are provided if you need someone to talk to.

Do I get paid for taking part?

Taking part is voluntary, but you will have the option to enter a prize draw to win a £50 Amazon voucher.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes. You have the right to withdraw at any time, and you do not have to explain why. Leaving will not affect your normal NHS care in any way.

How to find out more

Karen Rigby

Karen.rigby@bristol.ac.uk +44 7807041987 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.