Short summary

Individuals with diabetes manage their treatment most of the time. The significant responsibility of treatment places high demands on each patient, and for some, these demands lead to a condition known as diabetes distress. This study aims is to translate, adapt, and test the MyDiaMate self-help tool for individuals with type 1 diabetes, aiming to reduce mild diabetes distress, improve healthy diabetes management, and enhance mental well-being

Rationale

Individuals with diabetes have a significant responsibility for managing their treatment, which can lead to increased psychological strain, known as diabetes distress. This can affect their ability to manage the disease and their overall well-being. In diabetes care, individual psychological counseling is offered to individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) who face psychological challenges. However, resources are limited, so priority is given to those who are most burdened. MyDiaMate is an online self-help tool developed in the Netherlands, specifically designed for adults with T1D, aiming to help individuals improve and maintain their mental health. Research has shown that MyDiaMate has a high degree of feasibility and user-friendliness. MyDiaMate should be seen as a supplement to current diabetes care, with the goal of enhancing individuals' self-management of diabetes and mental health.

Description of the cohort

Individuals with T1D followed at Steno Diabetes Center Odense Inclusion Criteria: 1. Up to moderate diabetes distress measured using PAID-5 (<8) 2. Diagnosed with T1D for ≥ 6 months 3. Age over 18 years 4. Access to the internet and a device that can be used to access MyDiaMate Exclusion Criteria: 1. PAID-5 score ≥ 8 2. Ongoing treatment with a psychiatrist or psychologist related to stress, anxiety, or depression 3. Use of psychotropic medication 4. Functional, cognitive, or psychological challenges that hinder the use of MyDiaMate 5. Complex issues that, upon assessment by a clinical psychologist, are deemed more suitable for individual therapy 6. Language challenges that hinder the use of MyDiaMate

Data and biological material

Questionnaire data: PAID5 WHO-5 CIS SDSCA IEUQ-6 The Nehative Effect Questionnaire

Collaborating researchers and departments

UMC Amsterdam, Holland

• Professor Frank Snoek