%0 Journal Article
%T Positive Health Benefits of Peer Support and Connections for College Students With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
%A Christina Calamaro
%A Christina L. Roth
%A Emily Ike
%A Jennifer Saylor
%A Jodie M. Ambrosino
%A Melissa Ziegler
%A Michelle Ness
%A Sara Lee
%J The Diabetes Educator
%@ 1554-6063
%D 2018
%R 10.1177/0145721718765947
%X 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. 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. 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. 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
%U https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0145721718765947