New App Helps People with Type 1 Diabetes REACHOUT to Peers for Support

• A new mobile app, REACHOUT, is helping people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in rural and remote communities access mental health support.

In T1D, the body can’t make insulin. Insulin helps control the amount of sugar in the blood. Without it, blood sugar can rise to life-threatening levels.

Managing T1D takes a tremendous emotional toll. It requires dozens of tasks every day, like checking blood sugar, adjusting insulin dosage, and carrying emergency supplies — for life.

“That can feel overwhelming — at times, crushing,” says Dr. Tricia Tang, a registered psychologist with expertise in T1D. “If people don’t have the support to cope with distress, they can’t effectively take care of themselves. It’s hard to do when you’re not at 100 percent.”

Martin Howe was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes nearly 40 years ago.

“All those years ago, I felt ignorant and scared,” Martin recalls. “My blood glucose control was a bit hit-and-miss with multiple daily injections in what I felt was a very lonely battle against ignorance. I didn’t have anyone to talk to or reliable source of information to refer to. All that had an impact on my mental health.”

Recognizing the need for better mental health resources — especially in rural and remote communities where they can be harder to access — Tricia partnered with people living with T1D, psychologists, digital health experts, and engineers to create REACHOUT. The mobile app connects people with trained peer supporters: others who live with T1D, understand the challenges, and often live nearby. Through one-on-one chats, group support, discussion boards, and video huddles, people can get help and encouragement when, how, and as often as they need it.

“I was experiencing loneliness and isolation,” says Laurel Seitz, who was diagnosed with T1D in 2019 when she was 57. “REACHOUT helped me connect with other type 1 diabetics. It has provided me with great support, including educational and mental health resources.”

Tricia is supported by Michael Smith Health Research BC, in partnership with Breakthrough T1D Canada, to carry out a study of REACHOUT across BC.

“It has been rewarding to partner with Health Research BC on this unique award for Dr. Tang, enabling her to expand her patient-centered research programs,” says Dr. Sarah Linklater, Chief Scientific Officer at Breakthrough T1D Canada. “Tricia is driving new innovations in support for people with type 1 diabetes, while also excelling as a mentor to the next generation of scientists in this important field.”

Tricia’s team is also adapting REACHOUT for youth aged 15 to 18. With the youth app, NexGEN, trained peer mentors — young adults with T1D — listen without judgment and provide a safe space to express frustrations or simply sit in shared silence. NexGEN aims to improve access to mental health support early on, helping young people feel less emotionally stranded.

“REACHOUT is building a community of people who truly get what it means to live with this condition in geographically isolated communities,” says Tricia. “It’s about helping people with type 1 diabetes feel supported, understood, and connected. When they have support for their emotional wellbeing, they’re in a better place to manage their health.”

Through REACHOUT, Martin and Laurel now have a large network of like-minded people and information from a wide range of subject matter experts and fellow app users.

“After over 35 years of doing my own thing, I love the idea that REACHOUT is here to help us — we are not alone,” says Martin. “The quality of life that I now enjoy is fantastic. REACHOUT has been a game changer for me.”

Original source here.