Published on 23 January 2025

Game educates people with diabetes aged 7 and above and their networks about living with diabetes and self-management while addressing issues around the condition like stigma.

A new card game has been launched to provide educational support in a fun way to people living with diabetes and those that support them.

The fast-paced strategy game – published as a physical deck of cards – is designed to be fun and engaging for both people with diabetes and without, the game requires no prior knowledge of either diabetes or trading card games.

DiaFight creators describe the game as “a thrilling, fantasy-inspired card game that’s here to change the way people learn about and manage diabetes. Our game pits players against sinister creatures like Neuropathy Wraiths, Hypo Goblins, Stigma Snakes, and Hyper Trolls—diabetes monsters that embody the daily challenges people with diabetes face. But it’s not just a battle of darkness; it’s a call to action. Do you have what it takes to be a hero in this fight?!”

DiaFight is designed to engage players of all ages (from 7-plus) promoting self-management skills in an accessible, interactive way to empower people with diabetes and reduce stigma around the condition through education.

People can play with friends, family and support networks, with a range of levels available for beginners to custom.

Glucobaby
Hyper Troll


The DiaFight project is led by Ryan Kelly, PhD student at Portsmouth University and senior researcher at Barnard Health, with expertise in diabetes education and gamification design.

Ryan said: “I have worked in diabetes research for 10 years and been developing games as a passion for a while now. I was challenged to cross the two and make a game for diabetes by a colleague. I felt like the diabetes community deserved to have something fun that was personal to them.

“I set out to make the game with the founding principle that it was a fun game first and foremost and it stood in its own right as a playable, fair and fun experience.”

DRWF is proud to sponsor and support DiaFight print its first game packs, bringing them to the community with focus groups and pilot research into the game’s benefits.

Sarah Tutton, DRWF Chief Executive, said: “DiaFight is a great concept that focuses on creating awareness and engagement in face-to-face play and fantasy. It’s a great way to increase diabetes-related knowledge and may even impact on physical and mental health outcomes. We are proud to support the initial research stages of this innovative approach for people living with type 1 diabetes.”

DiaFight is available as a physical card deck and an online version is in development. For more information visit here

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