Group problem-solving program to help teens with type 1 diabetes manage stress

This trial is testing a program called STePS (Supporting Teen Problem Solving) that teaches teenagers with type 1 diabetes how to cope with the emotional burden of managing their disease every day. The program is delivered in nine group sessions, and you can choose to attend in person or join virtually. Earlier studies showed that this program helped teens feel less stressed about diabetes and even helped prevent their blood sugar control from getting worse over time—which is unusual and important, since teens' blood sugar typically worsens during the teenage years.

Many teenagers with type 1 diabetes experience significant emotional stress from the constant demands of managing their disease, and this stress is linked to poorer blood sugar control and other health problems. While the program has shown promise in research settings, researchers want to test whether it works just as well in real-world clinics and communities, and whether offering it online reaches more families.