Students to create diabetes support tool

The programme - headed up by Dr Victoria Archbold, a Senior Lecturer in Physical Activity, Exercise and Health - explores the experiences of current Leeds Metropolitan students who have diabetes.

The aim is for the students and project researchers to pool their ideas and experiences and come up with a product which will provide useful information and management strategies for diabetic students who are new to university life.

Dr Archbold, said: "For many first-time students pressures such as forming new friendships and managing their own finances means that the transition to university life can be fraught with anxiety. But for students with type 1 diabetes they also have the added issue of trying to safely manage their condition throughout this new phase.

"We know from current research, that individuals with diabetes who are aged 16-24, are less likely to engage in regular health checks and access the services they need than those outside that age group. What we are less familiar with is what they encounter when they arrive at university for the very first time. At Leeds Metropolitan we want to make that transition a more positive experience and ensure that students have a support system in place that will truly benefit them."

The early stages of the project have involved discussion and focus groups with current Leeds Metropolitan students who have diabetes, in a bid to identify areas where they feel support is needed. By bringing together their suggestions, the management tool - yet to be finalised, will be set up later this year.

Dr Archbold, commented: "Information obtained during the course of this research will help develop an understanding of how students can positively manage their diabetes whilst remaining physically active and healthy during their time at university.

"The final management tool that the students create, will be distributed to future type 1 diabetic during their time at university. We have a fantastic research team behind this project and a student population wishing to engage in the study - I am looking forward to seeing what can be developed to promote and support our diabetic students."

If you are currently a student at Leeds Metropolitan University with type 1 diabetes and would like more information or want to get involved in the project please contact Dr Victoria Archbold at v.archbold@leedsmet.ac.uk.