DiaBetter Together for Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

DiaBetter Together: A Strengths-based, Peer Mentor Transition RCT for Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

DiaBetter Together is a strengths-based peer support intervention delivered to young adults (age 17-25) by trained Peer Mentors (age 20-35) during the transition between pediatric and adult diabetes care. The aims of this proposed randomized controlled trial are to evaluate the impact of the intervention on glycemic control (primary), time to first adult care visit, adherence, and psychosocial outcomes (secondary) in young adults with T1D after 12 months.

DiaBetter Together is a strengths based peer support intervention delivered to young adults (age 17-25) by trained Peer Mentors (age 20-35) during the transition between pediatric and adult diabetes care. The study aims to optimize transition in T1D by leveraging and building on young adults' diabetes strengths, self-management skills, and social supports. This intervention will maximize protective processes that can facilitate optimal transition by training Peer Mentors (experienced young adults with T1D who have successfully established care in an adult setting) to provide relevant information about successful transition, teach strengths-based skills for managing transition-related challenges, share personal transition-related experiences, encourage young adults to access their social support network, and serve as a positive role model. Delivery of these strengths-based intervention components through a Peer Mentor has potential to reduce isolation, increase access to relevant information, and facilitate engagement with self-management and T1D care. This intervention is a complement to existing systems of care for young adults with T1D for 12 months as they leave the pediatric setting.

Young Adult Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• has a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes of at least 1 year
• currently receiving care at a Texas Children's Hospital Diabetes Care Center location
• is between the ages of 17-25 years at enrollment
• exhibits fluency in reading/speaking English
• their endocrine provider confirmed plans to transfer to adult provider in the next 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• serious medical, cognitive, or mental health comorbidity that would preclude ability to provide informed consent or participate in data collection or intervention

Peer Mentor Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before age 18
• has a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes of at least 1 years
• is between the ages of 20-35 at enrollment
• has been previously treated in pediatric care and is currently treated in adult care
• demonstrated interest and ability to effectively deliver the peer intervention &
• exhibits fluency in reading/speaking English

Exclusion Criteria:

• serious medical, cognitive, or mental health comorbidity that would preclude ability to fulfill role or complete questionnaires.