Latest instalment of award winning comic book series aimed at supporting young people with type 1 diabetes

The latest instalment in a series of comics aimed at supporting young people living with diabetes and raising awareness around the condition, is released today.

Type 1: STIGMA is the latest edition in the comic series that has been developed by Dr Mayank Patel, of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, and Dr Partha Kar, of Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.

They both recognised the need to create a resource to help young people living with type 1 diabetes.

Working in collaboration with young patients and publishers Revolve Comics, the team developed diabetes stories inspired by real life diabetes experiences Following on from Type 1 prequels; Origins and Attack of the Ketones STIGMA seeks to address some of the challenges and misconceptions that young people face when they try to explain their condition to others, as well as some other common real world challenges. 

Dr Patel said: “These comics have been so well received not only by young people but also by their families who, by reading with their children, understand a bit more about what type 1 diabetes is, its impact and how to live with it.

“Instead of an information leaflet we wanted to do something that would be a bit more engaging for young people in a way that they could relate to.

“At the start of the series we identified some of the key things that young people had to overcome to live with their condition and the stigma and impact on them in terms of their mental health and acknowledging what managing this condition involves, was something we really wanted to tackle.”

Type 1 diabetes, which often develops before the age of 40, occurs when the body is unable to produce insulin to regulate the level of sugar in the blood, known as blood glucose.

Too much glucose can lead to organ damage and, as there is currently no cure, patients are required to take insulin on a daily basis and make healthy lifestyle choices such as reducing sugar in their diets and not smoking.

The previous two editions have been downloaded a total of 20,000 times with a version of the comic being produced in India.

“We have had some truly wonderful feedback on the comics so far with people letting us know how they have helped families really understand and so better support young people with diabetes,” added Dr Patel.

“Personally, it has also been a great creative experience and both Partha and I have been delighted to spend our own time developing this project into something that has been so well received.”

STIGMA will be available to download from midday on Friday, 18 December at www.revolvecomics.com