Positive Health Benefits of Peer Support and Connections for College Students With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the characteristics and health outcomes of college students with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) as it relates to membership in a local university-based diabetes student organization. Methods This descriptive, correlational research design is a secondary analysis of data. The sample consisted of nationally representative young adults in college (n = 317) between 18 and 30 years of age who were diagnosed with T1DM. Data were collected during April 2017 using a secure electronic diabetes management survey to inquire about self-reported barriers to diabetes management, hypoglycemia, and diabetic ketoacidosis of members of a diabetes organization. Results Students were evenly distributed from freshman to senior year of college with a slight decrease at the graduate level. Students who were affiliated members of a student-led diabetes student organization were less likely to report increased levels of isolation, depressive symptoms, and anxiety related to their diabetes than were general members. Conclusion Participation in a university-based diabetes student organization on campus and connecting with other college students with diabetes may have health benefits. In conclusion, the current study underscores the potential importance of peer-led, diabetes-specific support for adolescents emerging into adulthood.

Making the leap and finding your feet: A qualitative study of disclosure and social support in university students with type 1 diabetes

“…This theme captures how students with T1D see diabetes as a part of themselves, and even come to appreciate the responsibility they have developed over time, as a result of having to manage their T1D. As observed by Saylor et al (2018), participation in university-led diabetes student clubs provides individuals living with T1D with direct diabetes-specific support during emerging adulthood while in this new environment. These clubs could be adapted to provide initial workshops to both parents and students regarding the transition and the individual themselves taking sole responsibility with this potential peer support.…”

Does sleep duration, napping, and social jetlag predict hemoglobin A1c among college students with type 1 diabetes mellitus?

“…Alterations in sleep patterns may change during their col-lege campus living due to erratic schedules and new found independence [3,4,38]. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the Unites States, 32% of EYA's (18-24 years old) sleep less than 7 h per night and among all adults there is a higher prevalence of shorter sleep duration among non-Caucasians [39].…”

“…The College Diabetes Network is a non-profit organization that focuses on provid-ing college students with peer support with local chapters on campus. Previous research has shown that CDN members may be more involved in their own diabetes management, particularly if they have a peer-led CDN chapter on their respective college campus [38].…”

Clinical Trial Recruitment and Retention of College Students with Type 1 Diabetes via Social Media: An Implementation Case Study

“…Overall summaries of outreach platform acceptability among valid cases were characterized descriptively. Finally, sample representativeness was assessed by comparing descriptive characteristics of valid cases to user features derived from GA and to previously described characteristics of the CDN source population; 47 differences were assessed using appropriate bivariate tests.…”