Living with Diabetes during COVID-19

Co-applicant: Dr Clare Goyder, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences

Project Summary

Living with diabetes during Covid-19: bringing together diverse lived experiences of type 1 and type 2 diabetes for community reflection

“During the last few months, I have been made to feel vulnerable because of my medical label; for the first time in my life I have felt old. Even if we ever get to a point where COVID-19 is eradicated, I will still have T1D and will, therefore, likely be deemed “vulnerable” to whatever else may be around the corner” (PPI contributor, female, type 1 diabetes). The Covid-19 pandemic has had a deep impact on many people, particularly those deemed to be most “vulnerable”. This is exemplified in people with diabetes (PWD) at risk both from contracting Covid-19 and from disruptions to healthcare and personal care. This project aims to bridge the gap between objective evidence synthesis research into the impact of the pandemic on PWD, and the reality of lived experience.

Through a socially-distanced public engagement project we aim to create a physical art installation and digital interactive quilt of artwork to capture individual experiences of living through the pandemic with diabetes. Artwork will be displayed in the Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, to mark the experiences of PWD during this time, and as an ongoing source for reflection for patients, the public and healthcare professionals.

Project Updates

This project is now LIVE! We are accepting submissions of art or written work of any form from people with diabetes, reflecting your unique experience during the Covid-19 pandemic.

If you would like to contribute to the project or find out more, please visit our project website (link below) for more information.

Project Links

To find out more, or make a submission, please visit: https://diabetescovid.art/