CommuniT1D: A Customized Virtual Peer Support Program For People Living With Type 1 Diabetes In Canada
CommuniT1D is a new study creating an online support program for people in Canada who have type 1 diabetes (T1D), or who are caring for someone with it. It knows that living with T1D can feel isolating, especially when you have other unique challenges. The program aims to bring people together virtually through small, regular online meetings and larger group webinars. These groups will connect people with similar experiences, like parents of young children with T1D, or those facing specific health or social situations. The project is led by researchers who themselves have T1D, and they will be checking how well the program works and making changes based on feedback. The goal is to provide valuable emotional support and help people feel more connected.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) often means you're constantly managing your health, which can feel quite lonely and invisible to others. Sometimes, the best support comes from people who truly understand what you're going through because they're in a similar situation. However, it can be hard to find these people, especially if your T1D experience is unique – for example, you might be a parent of a very young child with T1D, or navigating menopause with the condition, or speak a different language than others in your local area with T1D.
This study, called CommuniT1D, wants to help with that. It's setting up regular, small online meetings using tools like Zoom, designed to connect people across Canada who are managing T1D, either their own or their child's. The project will also offer larger monthly online talks (webinars) on topics people find interesting. What's really special is that the people leading this project, including the researchers, also have T1D themselves, so they truly get it. They believe that this kind of support can make a big difference to people's mental health and overall well-being.
The project plans to carefully watch how people like the groups, how they feel, what works well, and what doesn't. They'll use this feedback to make the program the best it can be. The main aim is to improve the overall well-being of Canadians affected by T1D by fostering a strong sense of community and shared understanding.
Key takeaways
- Connects people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) for online support.
- Led by individuals who also live with T1D.
- Offers monthly online group meetings and webinars.
- Aims to reduce feelings of isolation and improve well-being.
- Open to adults in Canada with T1D or their close family/friends.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of the CommuniT1D program, you generally need to be an adult (18 years or older) living in Canada. You should have type 1 diabetes, or another rare form of diabetes that requires insulin like LADA, MODY, or Type 3c diabetes (which happens if your pancreas is damaged or removed).
You can also take part if you are a close family member or friend – like a parent, child, spouse, or caregiver – of someone with type 1 diabetes or one of these other rarer forms of diabetes. You also need to be able to understand the consent form in either English or French.
If you have type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, or gestational diabetes, and no direct connection to someone with T1D or the other specific rare forms mentioned, then this specific program isn't for you. Also, children and teenagers under 18 cannot join right now, though the program hopes to expand to include younger people in the future.
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.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you live in Canada?
- Do you have type 1 diabetes, or care for someone who does?
- Can you read and understand consent forms in English or French?
What does participation involve?
If you join CommuniT1D, you'll be invited to take part in monthly small online group meetings. These groups will be made up of people with similar experiences with T1D. There will also be larger monthly online talks (webinars) that cover interesting topics, open to all members.
To help the researchers understand if the program is working, you'll be asked to complete surveys when you start and then again every six months. These surveys will ask about things like your stress related to diabetes, challenges you face, your quality of life, and how you're managing your diabetes. Some people will also be asked to take part in individual online interviews at two different times during the study. The total duration of your participation will depend on how long you choose to be part of the program.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Université LavalVerified postcodeQuébec, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is CommuniT1D?
It's an online support program for people in Canada with type 1 diabetes or their caregivers, designed to connect them with others who share similar experiences.
How often do the meetings happen?
There will be small group meetings once a month, and also larger monthly webinars on different topics.
Who is running this program?
The program is led by researchers and other individuals who themselves live with type 1 diabetes.
What will I have to do if I join?
You'll attend online meetings, and complete surveys occasionally. Some participants might also be asked for an interview.
Can my child join if they have T1D?
Currently, only adults aged 18 and over can join, but the program hopes to include younger people in the future.
How to find out more
Holly Witteman, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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