Lifting the wellbeing of adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes: A feasibility study of the LIFT app

Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have an increased risk of psychological distress. To address this, psychological support provided asynchronously via an app may be feasible. Our study aimed to explore feasibility and safety of the LIFT wellbeing app. Methods: A 12-week single arm feasibility study was conducted with 59 AYAs aged 16-25 years recruited from New Zealand and the United States, and twenty-two support people (e.g. caregivers). Feasibility outcomes included retention, data completeness, user engagement and safety. Psychosocial and clinical outcomes (HbA1c and time-in-range) were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. Results: Retention and completion of self-reported outcome measures was > 80 % for AYAs and support people. Users reported good engagement with the app. No adverse events occurred. Psychosocial outcome measures showed promising changes from baseline to 12-weeks. Conclusions: LIFT was deemed engaging, safe and feasible with promising preliminary changes in psychological outcomes.