Abstract:
Introduction: Despite advances in diabetes care, many young people, particularly Gen Z, struggle with poor glycemic control, recurrent episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis, and early complications such as neuropathy. As a person living with type 1 diabetes since 2013, I have successfully maintained stable outcomes, raising an important question: what self-management practices and supports can be scaled to help others achieve the same? This project explores a hybrid innovation that combines digital tools, peer support, and artificial intelligence to improve self-management outcomes among Gen Z with diabetes.
Methodology
The proposed model integrates three components:
1. Digital health app for tracking blood glucose, HbA1c trends, and ketone alerts.
2. AI-powered chatbot that offers reliable, real-time responses to user questions.
3. Peer-support forums where individuals can share lived experiences, challenges, and coping strategies.
This approach was informed by both lived experience and evidence from prior studies showing that digital health tools improve adherence and lower HbA1c, while peer communities enhance motivation and reduce isolation. A pilot implementation is planned with young people living with diabetes to assess usability, engagement, and impact on self-management behaviors.
Results (Preliminary Observations): Personal lived experience and informal peer discussions suggest that interactive, community-driven, and gamified approaches resonate strongly with Gen Z. Supporting research on digital interventions indicates reductions in HbA1c and fewer hospital admissions when self-management tools are consistently used. It is anticipated that integrating peer support with technology will further improve adherence and psychosocial outcomes.
Conclusion: By combining digital health tracking, AI-driven support, and peer forums, this innovation addresses both the clinical and emotional needs of Gen Z living with diabetes. The model is scalable, culturally adaptable, and has the potential to reduce complications, improve quality of life, and strengthen health systems by lowering preventable admissions. This work underscores the value of merging lived experience with technology to create meaningful, youth-centered solutions for diabetes management.
