We talk to researcher Dr Edith Holloway about the Mental Health IN Diabetes Monitoring and Pathways (MIND MAP) study and why she wants to hear from people across Australia who are living with diabetes.

Q: You’re working on a national study about diabetes and mental health for people living with diabetes. What can you tell us about the study?

A: We know that mental health can be a significant issue for people living with diabetes. Managing diabetes requires round-the-clock self-care, and we often hear from people that there’s not enough access to targeted support for diabetes-specific mental health issues, such as diabetes distress.

There’s not a lot of longitudinal data about the factors that can lead to mental health issues over time. We’ve co-designed the MIND-MAP study surveys with our Community Advisory Group, with the aim to change this by building a clearer picture of how mental health changes over time for people living with diabetes, and what kinds of support help.

Participants will complete four online surveys over three years. So, they will complete a baseline survey, and then they will be invited to complete three more surveys over 36 months. Each survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and can be accessed online at a time that suits you.

Q: Who can participate?  

A: At this stage, the study focuses on people living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes (including LADA and MODY). Gestational diabetes involves different experiences and timeframes and will be the focus of separate research. By collecting information over time, we can understand how mental health changes throughout a person’s diabetes journey, not just at one point in time. This helps us identify who might need support earlier, and what helps people maintain positive emotional wellbeing. 

Findings from the study will inform the development of an online Mental Health and Diabetes Resource Hub, bringing together trusted, evidence-based support, tools and pathways to care in one place. 

Living with diabetes comes with challenges that only those who experience it truly understand. By taking part in MIND-MAP, you can help ensure future mental health support reflects what people with diabetes want and need, not what others assume they need. 

What will be involved:

• Reflecting on your diabetes journey and emotional wellbeing.
• Completing four short online surveys.
• One survey each year over three years.
• Each survey takes around 20 minutes and can be done on your computer, tablet, or phone.

You can take part if you:

• Have diabetes (Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, MODY, LADA.)
• Are 18+ years old.
• Live in Australia.

Ready to get involved?
Download the MIND-MAP study flyer or register to take part in the study.

Would you like some support with your health goals this year?

Our health team is here for you. Have a free chat with one of our diabetes educators on 1300 001 880. 

This year we will be launching a program that provides people living with diabetes mental health support. Sign up to our mailing list below to stay informed.

Diabetes WA also runs a range of free diabetes self-management programs including face-to-face workshops and live online programs, on behalf of the NDSS.

You can book online  or call  1300 001 880 to find out more.