P-165: Transforming youth diabetes care: the role of Tellmi in providing digital mental health support in Somerset National Health Service, United Kingdom
S M Ng, S Godson, K Comley, R Firth, M Grenville, L Robin, S JamesAbstract
Introduction
Youth with diabetes experience substantial physical and mental health challenges. Tellmi is a novel mental health app providing unlimited, anonymous, peer support moderated by AI and human oversight, with real-time counsellor intervention for high-risk content. The app was adapted to include diabetes-specific support, including direct access to the Somerset NHS Children’s Diabetes Nurses’ Helpline.
Objectives
To explore the lived experiences of youth with diabetes using Tellmi.
Methods
A mixed-methods sequential design was used. First, a diabetes-specific Tellmi survey was disseminated through Somerset paediatric diabetes clinicians, general practitioners, and local support services, resulting in responses from 32 youth with diabetes. Participants were invited to take part in interviews, with seven interviews conducted until data saturation was reached. Quantitative data were stratified by median age and analysed using chi-square and t-tests. Qualitative data were thematically analysed using Gibbs’s framework.
Results
Quantitative findings demonstrated high rates of mental health difficulties, including anxiety (68.8%), depression (40.6%), panic attacks (43.8%), sleep problems (43.8%), and suicidal thoughts (34.4%). Less than half (42.9%) had informed their diabetes clinic about mental health impacts. While 53.6% had attempted to access support, others had not or were unsure how to do so. Qualitative analysis identified three themes: missed opportunities, barriers to support, and the benefits of peer support.
Conclusions
Integrating psychological support into routine diabetes care and leveraging digital tools such as Tellmi may improve outcomes for youth with diabetes. Enhanced education for healthcare providers, caregivers, and schools could support earlier intervention and reduce long-term diabetes-related burdens.