Virtual Patient Network for peer Support and acTion in yoUth and young adults with Diabetes-tYpe 1 (VPN-STUDY)

People with type 1 diabetes face multiple challenges in managing their condition. This disease requires 24/7 self-care. People with type 1 diabetes have to check their blood sugar to make sure it's not too low or too high and they also have to inject themselves with insulin when they eat because their pancreas cannot produce this needed hormone anymore. Using an online survey, we have asked more than 345 adolescents and young adults to talk to us about if and how they feel judged for having diabetes. We asked them what it is like to live with type 1 diabetes and what could make it easier for them. Many wanted more peer-to-peer support. A large proportion is frustrated with misconceptions about the disease; over one third are annoyed by confusion between type 1 and 2 diabetes. We will create a virtual patient network to serve as a community of support through a web page and Facebook page hosted by the Canadian Diabetes Association; we will upload materials, testimonials and videos to help them better live with type 1 diabetes. Patients will use this platform to identify important research questions that need to be addressed. Our research team includes patient representatives who are co-directing this initiative.