REAL-Fam Telehealth for Rural Families with Type 1 Diabetes

This study focuses on helping families in rural areas manage type 1 diabetes in children more effectively. Type 1 diabetes is becoming more common among young people, especially those living in rural communities, who often face challenges like limited access to healthcare, transportation issues, and financial difficulties. The study tests a new program called REAL-Fam, designed to be delivered via telehealth, which aims to support families by teaching them how to manage diabetes better, improve their quality of life, and help children maintain healthy blood sugar levels. This program is important because it not only focuses on managing diabetes but also addresses cultural and social factors that can affect health, aiming to provide comprehensive care that fits into the daily lives of families. Participants in the study, which include caregiver and child pairs, will be randomly assigned to either a group receiving the REAL-Fam intervention or a control group for 12 weeks. The REAL-Fam group will receive training and support through online sessions, covering areas like healthy routines, family participation in care activities, and strategies for engaging with schools and childcare. The study will look at how well caregivers feel they can manage diabetes, their overall quality of life, and the children's blood sugar levels to evaluate the program's effectiveness. The results of this study could lead to more widespread use of the program, providing much-needed support to families in rural areas and potentially improving health outcomes for children with type 1 diabetes.