Trial results for a study investigating an online peer support group for teens with Type 1 Diabetes were posted on ClinicalTrials.gov on 2025-09-10, involving 10 participants.
Background
Type 1 Diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition requiring lifelong insulin management. Adolescence can be a challenging period for managing chronic conditions, with factors like peer influence and the desire for independence impacting treatment adherence. Peer support groups, especially those leveraging online platforms, offer a potential avenue to address these challenges by providing a space for shared experiences, emotional support, and practical advice related to diabetes management. Examining the feasibility and impact of such online communities is important for improving support systems for young people with Type 1 Diabetes.
Trial design
This completed study, identified as Phase NA, enrolled 10 participants with Type 1 Diabetes. The observational study aimed to examine the impact of an online peer support group for teens, focusing on the feasibility and acceptability of the Diabetes Link's online social platform Discord among youth with diabetes. Objectives also included examining the efficacy/magnitude of the effect of the Discord group on treatment adherence. Participants engaged in an online peer support group for 3 months and provided feedback.
Key results
The trial results provide insights into user engagement, feedback, and diabetes measures among participants:
- For "Discord User Metrics" in the Peer Support Group, the median was 12.5 instances.
- For "Yes" Responses on Final Feedback Survey" in the Peer Support Group, the median was 3.5 responses.
- For "Diabetes Measures" in the Peer Support Group, the mean percentage of HbA1c was 7.167.
What this means
The posted results offer initial data on the engagement and feedback from teens with Type 1 Diabetes participating in an online peer support group. A median of 12.5 instances for Discord user metrics suggests some level of interaction within the platform. The median of 3.5 responses for "Yes" responses on the final feedback survey provides a preliminary indication of participant satisfaction or positive perception. While the mean HbA1c of 7.167 percentage is reported, without baseline data or a control group, its clinical significance in this context is limited. These findings contribute to understanding the feasibility and acceptability of online peer support platforms for adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes, highlighting areas for further research into their impact on diabetes management and treatment adherence.
Source
The information regarding these trial results was obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov, a public database of clinical studies. The results for the study NCT06412146, titled "Children's Mercy Teens With Type 1 Diabetes Will Participate in an Online Peer Support Group.", were posted on 2025-09-10 on clinicaltrials.gov.