INDEPENDENT HEROES: Supporting Type 1 Diabetic Young Adults’ Transition to Independent Living

This Master of Design Thesis project focuses on the condition of severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in young adults living with type 1 diabetes by carefully understanding the unique challenges they face in transitioning to adult care. This research surfaces the needs that often get blurred in the transition process and offers a design for an appropriate solution to support the identified issues. Canadian young adults living with type 1 diabetes often find themselves at the risk of hypoglycemia during emerging adulthood. The concept of emerging adulthood has not been considered extensively in managing chronic illness and transition from pediatric to adult care. Yet, this is a critical time when a person may first assume full responsibility for their diabetes self-care while simultaneously facing all the usual challenges young adults face. Additionally, the fear of hypoglycemia is strongest in this group. A review of the literature informs us about previous work done in this field. However, most current interventions are in the form of bulky printed materials. Another critical issue with the development of most recent tools is the absence of user involvement in the creative process leading to unmet user needs. In this project, participatory design methodologies were introduced in a human-centered approach, collaborating with young adults to understand and address the transition process gap. It included actively listening to user narratives and co-creating the solution. The synthesis of primary and secondary research resulted in the designed outcome of a smart wearable device that will work in conjunction with the Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and alerts the bystander and emergency contacts by turning them into potential lifesavers. It will inform them of a diabetic emergency and guide them through the life-saving instructions. Additionally, it will alert the medical emergency services for prompt assistance if needed. The solution attempts to provide early intervention during emergency and could also alleviate the fear of hypoglycemia in young adults. This in turn will reduce the load on the already burdened healthcare system.