Honors Projects

Abstract

This project focuses on the transition to adulthood for young people with diabetes, a chronic medical condition. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are included. The main research focus is two-part: first examining this transition including barriers to health care, changes in lifestyle, and mental health, and then creating a new, innovative tool to support young adults with diabetes. An independent literature review was conducted to investigate diabetes management, barriers to health care, how transitioning to adulthood impacts diabetes care, and the importance of patient support systems. Then, a board game was developed with the dual purpose of educating young adults on diabetes and also to help young adults establish and build relationships with one another. It was determined that education, while important, is not the only factor affecting health outcomes for patients with diabetes. Mental health and social support play a large role in the success of diabetes management. The creation of “Beyond the Numbers,” a board game for young adults, could prove to be an innovative way of supporting diabetic patients in a whole-person approach. As technology and healthcare continue to develop, there continue to be incredible new ways to help patients. This project could be the first of many new, creative ways to help patients as the prevalence of diabetes rises.

Department

Honors Program

Major

Biology

First Advisor

Amy Wagner

First Advisor Department

Biological Sciences

Second Advisor

Philip Welch

Second Advisor Department

Public and Allied Health

Publication Date

Spring 4-23-2026

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