Calum's story: shaping diabetes research

After my type 1 diagnosis, and the care I received, I felt I wanted to give back by working in healthcare. 

I first heard about the Diabetes UK-funded study D-stress and 'patient involvement' from one of my youth workers through Diabetes UK's Together Type 1's Young Leaders programme. I saw the new opportunity and I thought - why not apply for it! 

The D-stress study

The D-stress study is looking to adapt existing interventions (called 'Reduce', 'Detect' and 'Sustain') for type 1 diabetes distress, and in doing so, create a new UK-based pathway for diabetes distress support and care. 

I'm a member of the study's Patient Forum, so I've attended multiple workshops on different topics related to Reduce, Detect and Sustain. These workshops have involved researchers from both the USA and Denmark talking about their interventions and the tools used to deliver them. Over time, we critically review these tools. The feedback that we give as members of the Patient Forum is then taken into consideration as the new pathway is created. 

I have previously experienced diabetes distress and burnout - like a lot of people living with type 1 diabetes. This was a big motivation for taking part. But I also wanted to be involved in something that I'd never done before because I knew the outcome of the study could be really impactful for others with type 1 diabetes. 

Highlights and challenges 

"One highlight was participating in an in-person workshop at King's College London where I reviewed a care pathway which had been created from our feedback. I felt the discussions that we had during the workshop were really impactful."

 It was so lovely to meet everyone in person for the first time and get to know them better on a personal level - both fellow Patient Forum members and researchers. 

In terms of challenges, I found my first meeting with the other Patient Forum members daunting. Because I was the youngest member, and the newest diagnosed with type 1 at the time, I was quite worried about how I could contribute and get my voice heard. But the other members and researchers were really welcoming. Straight from the get-go I felt heard and accepted. 

The importance of taking part in research 

It's important to take part in diabetes research as everyone brings such unique perspectives into how their diabetes impacts them. When it comes to research, there are no right or wrong answers, and the insight that an individual can bring could totally change the outcome of a specific research project. 

I'd encourage others living with diabetes to get involved in research projects, to help shape future outcomes, and make positive change. 

I now look at how my diabetes journey, both the highs and lows of it, can help to shape the future and support others with type 1 - and hopefully inspire them to take part in research too.