Understanding the sources of diabetes distress in adults with type 1 diabetes

Perceived glucose levels matter more than CGM-based data in predicting diabetes distress in type 1 or type 2 diabetes: a precision mental health approach using n-of-1 analyses

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Diabetes distress is one of the most frequent mental health issues identified in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Little is known about the role of glucose control as a potential contributor to diabetes distress and whether the subjective perception of glucose control or the objective glycaemic parameters are more important for the experience. With the emergence of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), this is a relevant question as glucose values are now visible in real-time. We employed a precision monitoring approach to analyse the independent associations of perceived and measured glucose control with diabetes distress on a daily basis. By using n-of-1 analyses, we aimed to identify individual contributors to diabetes distress per person and analyse the associations of these individual contributors with mental health at a 3 month follow-up.

METHODS

In this prospective, observational study, perceived (hypoglycaemia/hyperglycaemia/glucose variability burden) and measured glucose control (time in hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia, CV) were assessed daily for 17 days using an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) approach with a special EMA app and CGM, respectively. Mixed-effect regression analysis was performed, with daily diabetes distress as the dependent variable and daily perceived and CGM-measured metrics of glucose control as random factors. Individual regression coefficients of daily distress with perceived and CGM-measured metrics were correlated with levels of psychosocial well-being at a 3 month follow-up.

RESULTS

Data from 379 participants were analysed (50.9% type 1 diabetes; 49.6% female). Perceived glucose variability (t=14.360; p<0.0001) and perceived hyperglycaemia (t=13.637; p<0.0001) were the strongest predictors of daily diabetes distress, while CGM-based glucose variability was not significantly associated (t=1.070; p=0.285). There was great heterogeneity between individuals in the associations of perceived and measured glucose parameters with diabetes distress. Individuals with a stronger association between perceived glucose control and daily distress had more depressive symptoms (β=0.32), diabetes distress (β=0.39) and hypoglycaemia fear (β=0.34) at follow-up (all p<0.001). Individuals with a stronger association between CGM-measured glucose control and daily distress had higher levels of psychosocial well-being at follow-up (depressive symptoms: β=-0.31; diabetes distress: β=-0.33; hypoglycaemia fear: β=-0.27; all p<0.001) but also higher HbA1c (β=0.12; p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Overall, subjective perceptions of glucose seem to be more influential on diabetes distress than objective CGM parameters of glycaemic control. N-of-1 analyses showed that CGM-measured and perceived glucose control had differential associations with diabetes distress and psychosocial well-being 3 months later. The results highlight the need to understand the individual drivers of diabetes distress to develop personalised interventions within a precision mental health approach.

The emotional burden of type 1 diabetes: A cross-sectional study to understand associations between diabetes distress and glucose metrics in adulthood

AIMS

Advancements in type 1 diabetes (T1D) management, such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), have helped people achieve narrower glucose ranges, but associations between CGM and diabetes distress are unclear. Although higher HbA1c is associated with higher distress, associations with other glucose metrics are unknown. To better understand this relationship, we characterized diabetes distress in a sample of CGM users and compared differences in glucose metrics (measured via CGM) between those with higher versus lower distress.

METHODS

CGM users with T1D from the T1D Exchange Registry completed an online survey including diabetes distress (DDS-2) and shared CGM data (N = 199). CGM metrics were computed from all available data within 3 months prior to survey completion. Participants were grouped by distress level: lower (DDS-2 < 3, n = 120) or higher (DDS-2 ≥ 3, n = 79). Welch's t-tests were used to compare mean differences in CGM metrics between groups and MANCOVA was used to further probe mean differences.

RESULTS

Approximately 39.7% participants reported higher diabetes distress. Welch's t-tests revealed participants with higher distress spent significantly more time in higher glucose ranges (above 180 mg/dL and above 250 mg/dL), less time in target glucose ranges (between 70 and 180 mg/dL and between 70 and 140 mg/dL) and had higher glucose management index values compared to those with lower distress (p < 0.01). MANCOVA models showed similar results.

CONCLUSIONS

CGM users continue to experience diabetes distress. Moreover, higher distress appears to be associated with hyperglycaemia. These findings provide support for broader screening efforts for diabetes distress.

An Evidence-Based Nurse-Led Intervention to Reduce Diabetes Distress Among Adults With Type 1 Diabetes and Diabetes Distress (REDUCE): Development of a Complex Intervention Using Qualitative Methods Informed by the Medical Research Council Framework

BACKGROUND

Diabetes distress refers to the negative emotional reaction to living with the demands of diabetes; it occurs in >40% of adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, no interventions to reduce diabetes distress are specifically designed to be an integral part of diabetes care.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to modify and adapt existing evidence-based methods into a nurse-led group intervention to reduce diabetes distress among adults with T1D and moderate to severe diabetes distress.

METHODS

The overall framework of this study was informed by the initial phase of the Medical Research Council's complex intervention framework that focused on undertaking intervention identification and development to guide the adaptation of the intervention. This study took place at 2 specialized diabetes centers in Denmark from November 2019 to June 2021. A total of 36 adults with T1D participated in 10 parallel workshops. A total of 12 diabetes-specialized nurses were interviewed and participated in 1 cocreation workshop; 12 multidisciplinary specialists, including psychologists, educational specialists, and researchers, participated in 4 cocreation workshops and 14 feedback meetings. Data were analyzed by applying a deductive analytic approach.

RESULTS

The intervention included 5 biweekly 2.5-hour small group sessions involving adults with T1D and diabetes distress. Guided by a detailed step-by-step manual, the intervention was delivered by 2 trained diabetes specialist nurses. The intervention material included visual conversation tools covering seven diabetes-specific sources derived from the 28-item Type 1 Diabetes Distress Scale for measuring diabetes distress: (1) powerlessness, (2) self-management, (3) fear of hypoglycemia, (4) food and eating, (5) friends and family, (6) negative social perception, and (7) physician distress. The tools are designed to kick-start awareness and sharing of diabetes-specific challenges and strengths, individual reflections, as well as plenary and peer-to-peer discussions about strategies to manage diabetes distress, providing new perspectives on diabetes worries and strategies to overcome negative emotions. Diabetes specialist nurses expressed a need for a manual with descriptions of methods and detailed guidelines for using the tools. To deliver the intervention, nurses need increased knowledge about diabetes distress, how to support diabetes distress reduction, and training and supervision to improve skills.

CONCLUSIONS

This co-design study describes the adaptation of a complex intervention with a strong evidence base, including detailed reporting of the theoretical underpinnings and core mechanisms.

Bringing the assessment and treatment of diabetes distress into the real world of clinical care: Time for a shift in perspective

AIMS

Diabetes distress (DD) refers to the emotional and behavioural challenges associated with managing this demanding chronic disease over time. DD is alarmingly common and it has a significant impact on self-management behaviours and clinical outcomes. Thus, there is growing recognition that DD is a pressing problem that deserves careful attention in clinical care. Translating the application of validated DD assessment and intervention protocols from the research to the clinical setting, however, presents challenges that require a reconsideration of some common assumptions about what DD is, how prevalent it is, how it presents itself clinically, how it might best be assessed and by whom.

METHODS

We employed data from six large-scale studies using five common DD measures. Using these data, we review and challenge several common assumptions about DD.

RESULTS

These data suggest that, because of its relative ubiquity, DD should not be viewed as a 'co-morbidity' or 'complication' of diabetes and it should not be seen as a mental health/illness 'condition'. Furthermore, we argue that DD assessment should: (1) be accepted as a standard part of comprehensive diabetes care, (2) occur regularly using broad rather than brief screening measures and (3) be addressed directly by diabetes clinicians, rather than exclusively by behavioural specialists.

CONCLUSIONS

The results form the basis of a series of suggestions to enhance the translation, adoption and implementation of DD knowledge derived from the research setting directly into the real world of clinical care.

Course of pregnancy and 10-year observation of twins diagnosed with GCK-MODY in the neonatal period: a case report

Monogenic diabetes accounts for 5% of all incidence of hyperglycemia and Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) is the most common form. In GCK-MODY, one of the most common forms of MODY, hyperglycemia is caused by a mutation of a gene responsible for coding glucokinase. At the clinical level, this condition presents as persistent, moderate and asymptomatic elevated fasting glucose levels and has a relatively low incidence of micro and macro-vascular complications. In general, the treatment of choice is to follow and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The incidence of GCK-MODY during pregnancy is 2% on average (0-6%). In this report, we introduce a case of a woman diagnosed with GCK-MODY during the pregnancy with twins, a boy and a girl, diagnosed with GCK-MODY after birth. We discuss the course of pregnancy, the need for access to fast and uncomplicated genetic diagnostics in utero, and the impact of the MODY diagnosis on the life of the mother and that of her children. In our case, the diagnosis of GCK-MODY was associated with a feeling of relief, after years of uncertainty, and helped to introduce more appropriate eating behaviors and lifestyle changes for both the mother and her children.

Effect of automated insulin delivery systems on person-reported outcomes in people with diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Conclusive evidence on the benefits of automated insulin delivery (AID) systems on person-reported outcomes (PROs) is missing.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, four databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane, and GoogleScholar) were searched from inception up to August 7th, 2024. All types of studies were included if studies reported on PROs in people with diabetes using an AID system. All types of control groups in randomised controlled trials (RCT) were included. Summary data were extracted by three reviewers. Main outcomes focused on diabetes distress, fear of hypoglycaemia and quality of life. Meta-analyses were conducted for RCTs and observational studies separately. When five or more studies could be pooled, random-effects meta-analysis was used, otherwise common-effects meta-analysis was used. Risk of bias was evaluated with Cochrane tools. This study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022352502.

Findings

A total of 62 studies (n = 9253) were included reporting on 45 different questionnaires. Twenty-seven studies were RCTs and 25 were observational studies. RCT meta-analyses showed reduced diabetes distress (standardised mean difference [95% CI]: -0.159 [-0.309, -0.010], I2 = 23.0%), reduced fear of hypoglycaemia (-0.339 [-0.566, -0.111], I2 = 42.6%), and improved hypoglycaemia unawareness (-0.231 [-0.424, -0.037], I2 = 0.0%), quality of life in adults (0.347 [0.134, 0.560], I2 = 0.0%) and children/adolescents (0.249 [0.050, 0.448], I2 = 0.0%). Observational meta-analyses corroborated improvements in diabetes distress (-0.217 [-0.403, -0.031], I2 = 68.5%), fear of hypoglycaemia (-0.445 [-0.540, -0.349], I2 = 0.0%), hypoglycaemia unawareness (-0.212 [-0.419, -0.004], I2 = 0.0%), and showed improved sleep quality (-0.158 [-0.255, -0.061], I2 = 0.0%).

Interpretation

We found low to moderate effect sizes indicating that AID therapy is associated with reduced burden and improved well-being in people with diabetes. Evidence comes from both RCTs and observational studies. However, for some PROs only a limited number of studies could be pooled with a large heterogeneity in questionnaires used. More research is needed with a more uniformed assessment of PROs to demonstrate the added value of AID therapy on psychosocial outcomes.

Funding

None.

Adaptive measures to deal with the next pandemic caused by climate change in at-risk groups

BACKGROUND

The intensity of the perceived stress during the pandemic is a very basic variable for the risk analysis and proper disaster response. The present study was conducted with the aim of determining the relationship between perceived stress and social support during covid-19 in diabetic patients in order to design a suitable plan for a possible pandemic.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 on 212 diabetics in Hormozgan province / southern Iran. Data were collected online using Whatsapp using social support and perceived stress questionnaires specific to COVID-19. Data were analyzed by SPSS 22 software using Pearson correlation coefficient tests.

RESULTS

The mean and standard deviation (SD) of the stress score was 18.46 ± 4.41. Mean ± SD of social support dimensions were emotional support 30.76 ± 5.96, information support 21.63 ± 4.56, instrumental support 32.48 ± 6.68, and evaluative support 23.53 ± 4.83. There was a significant correlation between emotional support (r =-0.377, P < 0.001) and instrumental support (r =-0.280, P < 0.001) with perceived stress.

CONCLUSION

The inverse relationship between emotional and instrumental support and perceived stress in diabetic patients during the Covid-19 pandemic suggests that health promotion interventions focus on increasing these two forms of social support in order to reduce stress during disasters. Especially when there are warnings about the release of microbial agents from melting polar ice and the possibility of the next epidemic.

Addressing emotional distress to improve outcomes in adults with type 1 diabetes: Protocol for ACT1VATE randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Diabetes distress (DD) is a prevalent concern among people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and is linked to poor clinical outcomes. Instead of targeting the elimination of DD, we propose a novel approach that empowers individuals with strategies to manage their diabetes effectively in the context of DD: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The purpose of this in-progress trial is to compare an ACT group intervention (ACT1VATE) with usual care in improving HbA1c, DD, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness in adults with T1D.

METHODS

This is a two-arm, parallel group, randomized controlled superiority trial enrolling N = 250 adults with T1D, elevated HbA1c, and significant DD in a real-world community-based health system. Participants are randomized to receive ACT1VATE (a five-week ACT group telehealth intervention) or diabetes self-management education and support (usual care as the first-line recommended intervention for DD). The trial will examine comparative effectiveness in improving HbA1c, DD, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness over 12 months.

DISCUSSION

We predict that ACT1VATE will be superior given its (1) specific focus on DD, without any expectation that difficult diabetes-related thoughts and emotions must (or can) be completely eliminated; and (2) purposeful linkage of diabetes self-care behaviors to an individual's deeply held values, thus eliciting intrinsic, patient-centric motivation for meaningful and lasting health behavior changes. This trial will provide a valuable test of real-world effectiveness, drive sustainability and scalability, and inform the future of chronic disease care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04933851 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04933851).

CLINICAL TRIAL

Clinicaltrials.govNCT04933851https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04933851.

Whole Day Workload: Evaluation of a New Outcome Measure in Occupational Therapy for Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

IMPORTANCE

Typical whole day workload is a metric with potential relevance to the occupational balance and well-being of individuals with chronic conditions.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the reliability and validity of using multiple daily NASA Task Load Index measures (whole day TLX) as an indicator of typical whole day workload experienced by adults with Type 1 diabetes (T1D).

DESIGN

Participants with T1D completed cross-sectional measures and 2 wk of ecological momentary assessments (EMA) and daily diaries. Reliability was assessed across subgroups (e.g., workers vs. nonworkers); validity was evaluated with multilevel confirmatory factor analysis and with tests of convergent and divergent validity with patient-reported outcomes and blood glucose measures.

SETTING

Three outpatient endocrinology clinics in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Data from 164 U.S. adults with T1D (42% Latino, 30% White).

OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Measures used included the whole day TLX (assessed via 2 wk of daily diaries), time in target blood glucose range (assessed with a continuous glucose monitor), illness intrusiveness (measured cross-sectionally), and stress (measured cross-sectionally and with EMA).

RESULTS

Number of days required for at least 0.70 reliability of the average whole day TLX ranged between 2 and 6 days depending on the subgroup. Results supported convergent and divergent validity of the average of the whole day TLX, including associations with average stress (r = .63, p < .001) and time in target blood glucose range (r = -.25, p = .002).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The whole day TLX was a reliable and valid indicator of typical whole day workload. Plain-Language Summary: The health management responsibilities for Type 1 diabetes can be extremely burdensome. When these responsibilities are experienced, in addition to duties such as work and caregiving, the totality of demands experienced (i.e., whole day workload) can create further issues, such as unhealthy physiological changes and interference with self-care. We tested the psychometric properties of a measurement tool that assesses the typical level of workload people experience. This measure, referred to as the NASA Task Load Index (whole day TLX), was found to be a reliable and valid indicator of typical whole day workload. Occupational therapists may use the whole day TLX to track progress in interventions focused on reducing clients' whole day workload exposure to promote their health and well-being. Occupational therapists' expertise in areas such as activity analysis, task adaptation, and energy conservation makes them especially well-suited to intervene on whole day workload.

Clinical Usage and Potential Benefits of a Continuous Glucose Monitoring Predict App

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has become an increasingly important tool for self-management in people with diabetes mellitus (DM). In this paper, we discuss recommendations on how to implement predictive features provided by the Accu-Chek SmartGuide Predict app in clinical practice. The Predict app's features are aimed at ultimately reducing diabetes stress and fear of hypoglycemia in people with DM. Furthermore, we explore the use cases and potential benefits of continuous glucose prediction, predictions of low glucose, and nocturnal hypoglycemia.

A single-site feasibility randomised controlled trial comparing 'my hypo compass' short pyscho-educational intervention with standard care alone in individuals with type 1 diabetes and impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia

AIMS

The HypoCOMPaSS multi-centre trial achieved improvement in hypoglycaemia awareness and 20-fold reduction in severe hypoglycaemia (SH) in a cohort with long-standing type 1 diabetes (T1D). All participants received 'my hypo compass' (MHC) brief structured psycho-educational intervention in addition to optimisation of insulin delivery/glucose monitoring. In this 24-week, prospective, single-centre feasibility RCT, we piloted MHC as a sole intervention in comparison to standard clinical care alone (CON).

METHODS

Participants with T1D and impaired hypoglycaemia awareness (IAH) (Clarke score ≥4) were recruited. MHC comprised a group/individual 1-2 h face-to-face session followed by a telephone call and second face-to-face session at 4 weeks. Outcome measures at 24 weeks were compared with baseline.

RESULTS

Fifty-two individuals provided consent for screening with 39 fulfilling eligibility criteria. Fifteen withdrew before any study intervention. Twenty-four adults with (mean ± SD) T1D duration 41.0 ± 15.1 years commenced/completed the study (100% visit attendance); 12 randomised to MHC and 12 to CON. All had IAH at baseline and at 24 weeks. Annualised SH rate following MHC was 3.8 ± 19.0 (24 weeks) versus 12.6 ± 3.5 (Baseline) and in CON group 2.0 ± 19.0 (24 weeks) versus 4.6 ± 11.5 (Baseline). 'Immediate Action' for and 'Worry' about hyperglycaemia measured by the Hyperglycaemia Avoidance Scale appeared lower following MHC. Participants attended all study visits and reflected positively on the MHC intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Feasibility of MHC implementation without additional intervention has been demonstrated. MHC education was associated with positive changes in attitudes and behaviours with the potential to reduce SH risk. MHC provides a validated, simple, well-received programme to fulfil the educational component within RCTs targeting problematic hypoglycaemia and as part of holistic clinical care.

Fear of Hypoglycemia and Diabetes Distress: Expected Reduction by Glucose Prediction

BACKGROUND

Extended glucose predictions are novel in diabetes management. Currently, there is no solution widely available. People with diabetes mellitus (DM) are offered features like trend arrows and limited predictions linked to predefined situations. Thus, the impact of extended glucose predictions on the burden of diabetes and person-reported outcomes (PROs) is unclear.

METHODS

In this online survey, 206 people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes (T1D and T2D), 70.9% and 29.1%, respectively, who participated in the dia·link online panel and were current continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) users, were presented with different scenarios of hypothetical extended glucose predictions. They were asked to imagine how low glucose predictions of 30 minutes and overnight as well as glucose predictions up to 2 hours would influence their diabetes management. Subsequently, they completed the Hypoglycemia Fear Survey II (HFS-II) and the T1 Diabetes Distress Scale (T1-DDS) by rating each item on a 5-point scale (-2: strong deterioration to +2: strong improvement) according to the potential change due to using glucose predictions.

RESULTS

For all glucose prediction periods, 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, and at nighttime, the surveyed participants expected moderate improvements in both fear of hypoglycemia (HFS-II: 0.57 ± 0.49) and overall diabetes distress (T1-DDS = 0.44 ± 0.49). The T1-DDS did not differ for type of therapy or diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

People with T1D and T2D would see glucose predictions as a potential improvement regarding reduced fear of hypoglycemia and diabetes distress. Therefore, glucose predictions represent a value for them in lowering the burden of diabetes and its management.

Determinants of self-care among Jordanian children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Diabetes Self-Care Management (DSCM) is crucial for managing diabetes mellitus and improving patients' well-being. Research on the young age group in Jordan is limited, and there is a lack of studies using an evaluation tool for understanding diabetes pharmacotherapy. This study intends to fill the information gap by examining young Jordanian patients' knowledge and comprehension of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and its treatment modalities, evaluating their psychological well-being, and examining the relationship between children's psychological health and self-care.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Jordanian Ministry of Health hospitals in Amman from June 2021 to January 2022. A convenience sampling method was used to select Arabic-speaking diabetic patients aged 11-a8 years who provided signed consent. A sample size of 400 was estimated. A self-administered questionnaire was developed based on a literature review to assess sociodemographic characteristics and diabetes and insulin knowledge, and validated scales were used to assess self-management (SMOD-A) and psychological well-being (ChilD-S).

RESULTS

Analysis of the questionnaire responses revealed varying levels of knowledge among the participants. Approximately half of the children (49.0%) demonstrated a lack of knowledge of diabetes pharmacotherapy. Psychological well-being indicators indicated moderate levels of happiness and feeling fine. The analysis of self-management indicators highlighted areas for improvement. Positive weak but significant correlations were found between children's knowledge about diabetes (r = 0.255, p < 0.01), diabetes pharmacotherapy knowledge (r = 0.125, p < 0.05), psychological well-being (r = 0.112, p < 0.05), and their diabetic self-management scores. A multivariate regression analysis identified predictors of self-management, including the child's school year (p = 0.035), ability to express feelings (p = 0.039), recent HbA1c levels (p = 0.028), and diabetes knowledge score (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Participants exhibited varying levels of knowledge about diabetes pharmacotherapy and self-management. Knowledge about diabetes was identified as a predictor for effective self-management. Moreover, glycemic control and diabetes mellitus awareness majorly impact overall self-management behaviors. Tailored education programs are necessary to fill knowledge gaps and enhance diabetes management among children.

Towards the standardisation of adult person-reported outcome domains in diabetes research: A Consensus Statement development panel

Diabetes is unique among chronic diseases because clinical outcomes are intimately tied to how the person living with diabetes reacts to and implements treatment recommendations. It is further characterised by widespread social stigma, judgement and paternalism. This physical, social and psychological burden collectively influences self-management behaviours. It is widely recognised that the individual's perspective about the impact of trying to manage the disease and the burden that self-management confers must be addressed to achieve optimal health outcomes. Standardised, rigorous assessment of mental and behavioural health status, in interaction with physical health outcomes is crucial to aid understanding of person-reported outcomes (PROs). Whilst tempting to conceptualise PROs as an issue of perceived quality of life (QoL), in fact health-related QoL is multi-dimensional and covers indicators of physical or functional health status, psychological and social well-being. This complexity is illuminated by the large number of person reported outcome measures (PROMs) that have been developed across multiple psychosocial domains. Often measures are used inappropriately or because they have been used in the scientific literature rather than based on methodological or outcome assessment rigour. Given the broad nature of psychosocial functioning/mental health, it is important to broadly define PROs that are evaluated in the context of therapeutic interventions, real-life and observational studies. This report summarises the central themes and lessons derived in the assessment and use of PROMs amongst adults with diabetes. Effective assessment of PROMs routinely in clinical research is crucial to understanding the true impact of any intervention. Selecting appropriate measures, relevant to the specific factors of PROs important in the research study will provide valuable data alongside physical health data.

Partnered Recruitment: Engaging Individuals With Lived Experience in the Recruitment of Co-Design Participants

BACKGROUND

Young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) face complex health challenges, including a heightened risk for distress. To counter this distress, there is a need to develop accessible, acceptable comprehensive care solutions that integrate diabetes and mental health care to enhance self-efficacy and counter mental health challenges in this population.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the engagement of individuals with lived experience of T1D and mental health challenges in the development of a recruitment strategy to support the co-design of an innovative integrated care programme.

RESULTS

Seven individuals with lived experience formed a Partner Advisory Council (PAC) to recruit young adults (18-29 years old) living with T1D, their friends or family and health researchers and professionals in co-design interviews (n = 19) and co-design events (n = 12). The PAC played a key role in developing a comprehensive recruitment strategy, overcoming traditional barriers and stigmas in the design of an integrated model of care.

CONCLUSION

Assuming the presence of mental health challenges in young adults living with T1D during recruitment had far-reaching impacts on the development of a whole-person and integrated diabetes and mental health care solution. The efficient recruitment of this sample provided invaluable insights into the nuanced challenges experienced by young adults with T1D, the individual skills developed in response to their mental health challenges and the ways that this understanding can shape future programming to support mental health, quality of life and well-being. The ongoing involvement of the PAC as co-researchers underscores the enduring impact of patient engagement in developing integrated care solutions.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

The co-design of the TECC-T1D3 model was enriched by the invaluable contributions of individuals with lived experience. This included the engagement of a diverse PAC in the recruitment of participants in co-design interviews and co-design events. PAC members actively participated in research decision-making with their insights informing a robust recruitment strategy. Beyond recruitment, PAC members continue to serve as co-researchers, shaping ongoing research and actively contributing to the TECC-T1D3 project. Six PAC members are co-authors on this manuscript.

EMBARK: A Randomized, Controlled Trial Comparing Three Approaches to Reducing Diabetes Distress and Improving HbA1c in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of three interventions to reduce diabetes distress (DD) and improve HbA1c among adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Individuals with T1D (n = 276) with elevated DD (a score >2 on the total Type 1 Diabetes Distress Scale) and HbA1c (>7.5%) were recruited from multiple settings and randomly assigned to one of three virtual group-based programs: 1) Streamline, an educator-led education and diabetes self-management program; 2) TunedIn, a psychologist-led program focused exclusively on emotional-focused DD reduction; or 3) FixIt, an integration of Streamline and TunedIn. Assessments of the primary outcomes of DD and HbA1c occurred at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS

All three programs demonstrated substantive and sustained reductions in DD (Cohen's d = 0.58-1.14) and HbA1c (range, -0.4 to -0.72) at 12-month follow-up. TunedIn and FixIt participants reported significantly greater DD reductions compared with Streamline participants (P = 0.007). Streamline and TunedIn participants achieved significantly greater HbA1c reductions than did FixIt participants (P = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

DD can be successfully reduced among individuals with T1D with elevated HbA1c using both the educational/behavioral and emotion-focused approaches included in the study. Although both approaches are associated with significant and clinically meaningful reductions in DD and HbA1c, TunedIn, the emotion-focused program, had the most consistent benefits across both DD and HbA1c. The study findings suggest the overall value of group-based, fully virtual, and time-limited emotion-focused strategies, like those used in TunedIn, for adults with T1D.

Type 1 diabetes-related distress: Current implications in care

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a complex chronic disease associated with major health and economic consequences, also involving important issues in the psychosocial sphere. In this regard, T1D-related distress, defined as the emotional burden of living with T1D, has emerged as a specific entity related to the disease. Diabetes distress (DD) is an overlooked but prevalent condition in people living with T1D, and has significant implications in both glycemic control and mental health in this population. Although overlapping symptoms may be found between DD and mental health disorders, specific approaches should be performed for the diagnosis of this problem. In recent years, different DD-targeted interventions have been postulated, including behavioral and psychosocial strategies. Moreover, new technologies in this field may be helpful to address DD in people living with T1D. In this article, we summarize the current knowledge on T1D-related distress, and we also discuss the current approaches and future perspectives in its management.

The Examination and Exploration of Diabetes Distress in Pre-existing Diabetes in Pregnancy: A Mixed-methods Study

OBJECTIVES

Diabetes distress (DD) has been understudied in the pregnancy population. Pregnancy is known to be a complex, highly stressful time for women with diabetes because of medical risks and the high burden of diabetes management. Our aim in this study was to explain and understand DD in women with pre-existing diabetes in pregnancy.

METHODS

An explanatory, sequential mixed-methods study was undertaken. The first strand consisted of a cross-sectional study of 76 women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. A nested sampling approach was used to re-recruit 18 women back into the second strand for qualitative interviews using an interpretive description approach.

RESULTS

DD was measured by the validated Problem Area in Diabetes (PAID) scale. A PAID score of ≥40 was positive for distress. DD prevalence was 22.4% in the cross-sectional cohort and the average PAID score was 27.75 (standard deviation 16.08). In the qualitative strand, women with a range of PAID scores (10.0 to 60.0) were sampled for interviews. The majority of these participants described themes of DD in their interviews. Of the 15 women who described DD thematically, only 6 had positive PAID scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Integration of the mixed-methods data underscores important meta-inferences about DD in pregnancy, namely that DD was present to a greater degree than the PAID tool is sensitive to. DD was present qualitatively in most of the qualitative sample, despite interviewing women with a range of PAID scores. Future research on a pregnancy-specific DD scale is needed.

A novel approach to understanding and assessing the emotional side of type 1 diabetes: The Type 1-Diabetes Distress Assessment System

AIMS

To describe the development of a novel, conceptually sound instrument with contemporary content for assessing diabetes distress (DD) among adults with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

Qualitative interviews with 15 adults and 7 clinicians were used to develop Core (intensity of DD emotional burden) and primary Source (key DD contributors) items. These were administered to a national sample recruited from the TCOYD Research Registry, T1D Exchange and our previous studies. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were undertaken, along with reliability and construct validity studies, and cut-point analyses to determine elevated DD.

RESULTS

Analyses based on 650 respondents yielded an 8-item Core DD scale (α = 0.95) and 10 2- or 3-item DD Source Scales (α range = 0.53-0.88): Financial Worries, Interpersonal Challenges, Management Difficulties, Shame, Hypoglycemia Concerns, Healthcare Quality, Lack of Diabetes Resources, Technology Challenges, Burden to Others and Worries about Complications. Core and Source scores were significantly associated with criterion variables: Higher DD scores were significantly linked with higher HbA1C, more frequent episodes of severe hypoglycaemia, missed boluses, and poorer quality of life (p > 0.001). A ≥2.0 scale cut-point to define elevated DD is suggested.

CONCLUSIONS

The new T1-Diabetes Distress Assessment System demonstrated good reliability and validity, and with measures of both Core emotional burden and Sources of DD, it provides a contemporary, flexible and practical approach to assessing DD that can be used seamlessly to inform intervention for clinicians and researchers.

Living with and managing type 1 diabetes in humanitarian settings: A qualitative synthesis of lived experience and stakeholder tacit knowledge

Humanitarian health actors are beginning to better consider and manage non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, in emergency and protracted crisis settings. However, a focus on the more globally prevalent type 2 diabetes (T2D) dominates. Blind spots prevail in the unmet needs for type 1 diabetes (T1D), a chronic autoimmune condition where individuals are unable to produce insulin, thereby dependent on lifelong insulin therapy and blood glucose management. Although some T1D management requirements overlap with those of T2D, the immediate risk of fatal complications following insulin therapy disruption, the earlier age of onset during childhood, adolescence or young adulthood, and its lower prevalence compared to T2D within communities and local health systems mean that T1D requires nuanced consideration and targeted interventions. Intending to inform program and policy design for people with T1D (PWT1D), we synthesized themes of lived experience from PLWT1D and their caregivers, and the tacit working knowledge of health providers and policymakers in the context of local humanitarian operations. Through a strategic search of health databases (up to July 2023), we identified 11 articles that include interview excerpts from PWT1D, caregivers, healthcare providers and policymakers about T1D management in humanitarian settings. We used reflexive thematic analysis to guide data extraction, coding, and synthesis, resulting in the identification of four overarching themes: food and insulin security, family relations, knowledge translation, and response to diagnosis. The narratives highlight harsh trade-offs made by PWT1D and their families in the face of insulin and food insecurity, as well as the damaging impact of low T1D education in families, communities and health systems. Targeted family and community-based solutions are urgently required, alongside systemic reforms and international collaboration to enable better T1D coping and management in humanitarian settings.

Psychometric Properties of the Automated Insulin Delivery: Benefits and Burdens Scale for Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Objective: To evaluate the psychometric properties of a patient-reported outcome measure, the Automated Insulin Delivery-Benefits and Burdens Scale (AID-BBS), which was designed to assess benefits and burdens of AID use in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The measure was hypothesized to have validity, reliability, and clinical utility for predicting likelihood of continued use of an AID system. Research Design and Methods: A total of 217 adults with T1D (ages from 18 to 82 years) who were enrolled in an AID system research trial completed AID-BBS items at study midpoint (6 weeks) and at the end of the trial (13 weeks). Data were collected on pre-post glycemic outcomes. Participants completed other patient-reported psychosocial outcome measures (e.g., emotional well-being, diabetes distress, attitudes toward diabetes technology, diabetes treatment satisfaction) at Week 13. Likelihood of continued device use was assessed with three items at 13 weeks. Results: Exploratory factor analysis supported a one-factor structure for each subscale (15-item benefit and 9-item burden subscale) when evaluated separately. Convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability were supported. Benefit and burden subscales at week 6 predicted usage intention above and beyond device impact on glycemic outcomes, also controlling for baseline glycemic outcomes. Conclusion: Findings support the AID-BBS as a psychometrically valid, reliable, and useful instrument for assessing burdens and benefits associated with AID system use in adults with T1D. The measure can be used to help health care providers set realistic expectations and proactively address modifiable burdens. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT04200313.

Acceptance of smart sensing, its determinants, and the efficacy of an acceptance-facilitating intervention in people with diabetes: results from a randomized controlled trial

Background

Mental health problems are prevalent among people with diabetes, yet often under-diagnosed. Smart sensing, utilizing passively collected digital markers through digital devices, is an innovative diagnostic approach that can support mental health screening and intervention. However, the acceptance of this technology remains unclear. Grounded on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), this study aimed to investigate (1) the acceptance of smart sensing in a diabetes sample, (2) the determinants of acceptance, and (3) the effectiveness of an acceptance facilitating intervention (AFI).

Methods

A total of N = 132 participants with diabetes were randomized to an intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG). The IG received a video-based AFI on smart sensing and the CG received an educational video on mindfulness. Acceptance and its potential determinants were assessed through an online questionnaire as a single post-measurement. The self-reported behavioral intention, interest in using a smart sensing application and installation of a smart sensing application were assessed as outcomes. The data were analyzed using latent structural equation modeling and t-tests.

Results

The acceptance of smart sensing at baseline was average (M = 12.64, SD = 4.24) with 27.8% showing low, 40.3% moderate, and 31.9% high acceptance. Performance expectancy (γ = 0.64, p < 0.001), social influence (γ = 0.23, p = .032) and trust (γ = 0.27, p = .040) were identified as potential determinants of acceptance, explaining 84% of the variance. SEM model fit was acceptable (RMSEA = 0.073, SRMR = 0.059). The intervention did not significantly impact acceptance (γ = 0.25, 95%-CI: -0.16-0.65, p = .233), interest (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.38-1.52, p = .445) or app installation rates (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.47-2.73, p = .777).

Discussion

The high variance in acceptance supports a need for acceptance facilitating procedures. The analyzed model supported performance expectancy, social influence, and trust as potential determinants of smart sensing acceptance; perceived benefit was the most influential factor towards acceptance. The AFI was not significant. Future research should further explore factors contributing to smart sensing acceptance and address implementation barriers.

Can Unmet Needs Be Addressed by Adjunctive Therapies? Findings from a Patient Perspectives Survey in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Many individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) do not achieve their management goals. The patient perspective on unmet needs in T1D may guide the role of adjunctive therapies, including glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs). A quantitative online survey (n = 133) assessed (1) self-reported demographic and management data, (2) management priorities, satisfaction, and willingness to use adjunctive therapies and (3) conducted a risk-benefit analysis using three masked drug profiles (1.8 mg vs 0.6 mg liraglutide vs placebo). A subgroup of respondents (n = 20) participated in semi-structured interviews to extend upon survey insights. Needs were unmet by current treatment in 28% of surveyed individuals. The greatest unmet needs included (1) glycemia, (2) management-related fatigue, and (3) weight management. Most respondents (94%) indicated that they would use adjunctive therapies. The preferred administration route was daily tablets (66%) followed by weekly injections (32%). Metabolic improvements were most valued (reduction in hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia). Most respondents (94%) preferred the liraglutide risk-benefit profile (1.8 mg, then 0.6 mg) over placebo. Individuals with T1D self-report many unmet needs. While not currently approved in T1D, GLP-1RA properties align with many management priorities reported by individuals with T1D.

Roles and competencies of the clinical psychologist in adult diabetes care-A consensus report

AIMS

Psychological care is recognised as an integral part of quality diabetes care. We set out to describe the roles and competencies of the clinical psychologist as a member of the multidisciplinary adult diabetes care team, focused on secondary care.

METHODS

The authors are clinically experienced psychologists involved in adult diabetes care, from Australia, Europe and North America, and active members of the international psychosocial aspects of diabetes study group. Consensus was reached as a group on the roles and competencies of the clinical psychologist working in adult diabetes secondary care, building both on expert opinion and a selective review and discussion of the literature on psychological care in diabetes, clinical guidelines and competency frameworks.

RESULTS

The clinical psychologist fulfils multiple roles: (1) as a clinician (psychological assessment and therapy), (2) as advisor to the healthcare team (training, consulting), (3) as a communicator and promotor of person-centred care initiatives and (4) as a researcher. Four competencies that are key to successfully fulfilling the above-mentioned roles in a diabetes setting are as follows: (a) specialised knowledge, (b) teamwork and advice, (c) assessment, (d) psychotherapy (referred to as STAP framework).

CONCLUSIONS

The roles and competencies of clinical psychologists working in diabetes extend beyond the requirements of most university and post-graduate curricula. There is a need for a comprehensive, accredited specialist post-graduate training for clinical psychologists working in diabetes care, building on the proposed STAP framework. This calls for a collaborative effort involving diabetes organisations, clinical psychology societies and diabetes psychology interest groups.

Automated Insulin Delivery in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes and Suboptimal HbA1c During Prior Use of Insulin Pump and Continuous Glucose Monitoring: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Automated insulin delivery (AID) systems offer promise in improving glycemic outcomes for individuals with type 1 diabetes. However, data on those who struggle with suboptimal glycemic levels despite insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) are limited. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the effects of an AID system in this population.

METHODS

Participants with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥ 58 mmol/mol (7.5%) were allocated 1:1 to 14 weeks of treatment with the MiniMed 780G system (AID) or continuation of usual care (UC). The primary endpoint was change in time in range (TIR: 3·9-10·0 mmol/L) from baseline to week 14. After this trial period, the UC group switched to AID treatment while the AID group continued using the system. Both groups were monitored for a total of 28 weeks.

RESULTS

Forty adults (mean ± SD: age 52 ± 11 years, HbA1c 67 ± 7 mmol/mol [8.3% ± 0.6%], diabetes duration 29 ±13 years) were included. After 14 weeks, TIR increased by 18.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 14.5, 22.9%) in the AID group and remained unchanged in the UC group (P < .0001). Hemoglobin A1c decreased by 10.0 mmol/mol (95% CI = 7.0, 13.0 mmol/mol) (0.9% [95% CI = 0.6%, 1.2%]) in the AID group but remained unchanged in the UC group (P < .0001). The glycemic benefits of AID treatment were reproduced after the 14-week extension phase. There were no episodes of severe hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis during the study.

CONCLUSIONS

For adults with type 1 diabetes not meeting glycemic targets despite use of insulin pump and CGM, transitioning to an AID system confers considerable glycemic benefits.

A Self-Guided Web-Based App (MyDiaMate) for Enhancing Mental Health in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: Insights From a Real-World Study in the Netherlands

BACKGROUND

MyDiaMate is a web-based intervention specifically designed for adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) that aims to help them improve and maintain their mental health. Prior pilot-testing of MyDiaMate verified its acceptability, feasibility, and usability.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the real-world uptake and usage of MyDiaMate in the Netherlands.

METHODS

Between March 2021 and December 2022, MyDiaMate was made freely available to Dutch adults with T1D. Usage (participation and completion rates of the modules) was tracked using log data. Users could volunteer to participate in the user profile study, which required filling out a set of baseline questionnaires. The usage of study participants was examined separately for participants scoring above and below the cutoffs of the "Problem Areas in Diabetes" (PAID-11) questionnaire (diabetes distress), the "World Health Organization Well-being Index" (WHO-5) questionnaire (emotional well-being), and the fatigue severity subscale of the "Checklist Individual Strength" (CIS) questionnaire (fatigue). Two months after creating an account, study participants received an evaluation questionnaire to provide us with feedback.

RESULTS

In total, 1008 adults created a MyDiaMate account, of whom 343 (34%) participated in the user profile study. The mean age was 43 (SD 14.9; 18-76) years. Most participants were female (n=217, 63.3%) and higher educated (n=198, 57.6%). The majority had been living with T1D for over 5 years (n=241, 73.5%). Of the study participants, 59.1% (n=199) of them reported low emotional well-being (WHO-5 score≤50), 70.9% (n=239) of them reported elevated diabetes distress (PAID-11 score≥18), and 52.4% (n=178) of them reported severe fatigue (CIS score≥35). Participation rates varied between 9.5% (n=19) for social environment to 100% (n=726) for diabetes in balance, which opened by default. Completion rates ranged from 4.3% (n=1) for energy, an extensive cognitive behavioral therapy module, to 68.6% (n=24) for the shorter module on hypos. There were no differences in terms of participation and completion rates of the modules between study participants with a more severe profile, that is, lower emotional well-being, greater diabetes distress, or more fatigue symptoms, and those with a less severe profile. Further, no technical problems were reported, and various suggestions were made by study participants to improve the application, suggesting a need for more personalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Data from this naturalistic study demonstrated the potential of MyDiaMate as a self-help tool for adults with T1D, supplementary to ongoing diabetes care, to improve healthy coping with diabetes and mental health. Future research is needed to explore engagement strategies and test the efficacy of MyDiaMate in a randomized controlled trial.

Protocol for the STEADY intervention for type 1 diabetes and disordered eating: Safe management of people with Type 1 diabetes and EAting Disorders studY

This paper describes the protocol to test the feasibility of the Safe management of people with Type 1 diabetes and EAting Disorders studY (STEADY) intervention. STEADY is a novel complex intervention for people with type 1 diabetes and disordered eating (T1DE) of mild to moderate severity. The STEADY intervention integrates cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with diabetes education, and was developed using Experience-Based Co-Design. METHODS: The feasibility of STEADY will be tested using a randomised controlled feasibility trial. Forty adults with T1DE will be recruited and randomised into the STEADY intervention or treatment as usual control group. We will collect demographic, biomedical and psychometric data, routine glucose metrics and conduct the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5. Participants randomised to the STEADY intervention will receive 12 STEADY therapy sessions with a diabetes specialist nurse trained in CBT, delivered via videoconference and an optional smartphone app. The main outcome at 6 months will be the feasibility of STEADY (recruitment, dropout rates, feasibility of delivery). The secondary outcomes are biomedical (HbA1c and glucose time in range) and psychological (person-reported outcome measures in disordered eating, diabetes distress, depression and anxiety). A process evaluation will evaluate the fidelity, feasibility, acceptability and appropriateness of STEADY, and participant experiences. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol was approved by the East of England-Essex Research Ethics Committee (21/EE/0235). Study findings will be shared with study participants and disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Diabetes-related distress and quality of life among people with type 2 diabetes at primary care level in Brazil

PURPOSE

Living with diabetes can be challenging, particularly when it comes to dealing with psychological distress and requiring self-care directives. Patients may feel frustrated, angry, overwhelmed, and discouraged. This study aimed to investigate the diabetes-related distress and quality of life among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study carried out at the Clinical Research Centre at the University of Campinas, Brazil, between September 2020 and April 2021. Patients answered data regarding demographic and clinical variables, the Brazilian version of the Diabetes Distress Scale and the Diabetes Quality of Life (QOL) Measure by telephone contact. The data were managed using the RedCap System. For statistical analysis of the data, the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were applied for comparisons, and the Chi-square test for associations. The correlations were evaluated using the Spearman correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

Out of the 302 participants we recruited, 50.33% exhibited significant diabetes-related distress. Those with elevated diabetes-related distress scores had shorter education levels (p < 0.05), lower HbA1c levels (p < 0.05), and lower total scores in Diabetes QOL Measure (p < 0.0001), particularly in the QOL impact (p < 0.0001), social/vocational worry (p < 0.05), and diabetes worry (p < 0.0001) subscales compared to the group with the lowest diabetes-related distress.

CONCLUSION

Elevated diabetes-related stress scores significantly affect patients' QOL. Therefore, early screening of individuals at risk for this condition, using well-coordinated protocols, could mitigate adverse QOL effects and enhance their overall experience during disease management.

Associations between use of diabetes technology and diabetes distress: a Danish cross-sectional survey of adults with type 1 diabetes

INTRODUCTION

The study aimed to investigate independent and combined associations between insulin delivery method (insulin pump therapy (IPT) vs multiple daily injections (MDI)), glucose monitoring method (intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) and real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) vs blood glucose metre (BGM)) and diabetes distress (DD) in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We combined data from two Danish questionnaire-based surveys, the Steno Tech Survey (n=1591) and the Type 1 Diabetes Distress Scale (T1-DDS) validation survey (n=4205), in which individuals aged ≥18 years with T1D were invited to participate. The 28-item T1-DDS was used to measure DD and DD scores were categorised as little or no distress (score <2.0), moderate distress (2.0-2.9) and high distress (score ≥3.0). Associations between insulin delivery, glucose monitoring methods and DD were assessed using linear regression.

RESULTS

Among 2068 adults with T1D who responded to one of the surveys, the use of IPT was associated with a lower total T1-DDS score (-0.09, 95% CI 0.16 to -0.03) compared with MDI and adjusted for glucose monitoring method. The use of CGM was associated with a higher total T1-DDS score (0.11, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.18) compared with BGM and adjusted for the insulin delivery method. IPT was still associated with a lower T1-DDS score, regardless of being combined with BGM (-0.17, 95% CI -0.28 to -0.06) or CGM (-0.13, 95% CI -0.21 to -0.05), compared with MDI with CGM. No association was found between the type of CGM (isCGM vs rtCGM) and DD among either IPT or MDI users when restricting analysis to individuals using CGM.

CONCLUSIONS

Among Danish adults with T1D, the use of IPT was associated with lower levels of DD, while CGM use was associated with higher levels of DD. DD should be addressed when introducing people with T1D to diabetes technology, CGM in particular.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04311164 (Results).

Person-reported outcomes in diabetes care: What are they and why are they so important?

In this review, we aim to show how person-reported outcomes (PROs) and person-reported experiences (PREs) can significantly contribute to the way diabetes care is delivered, the involvement of people with diabetes in diabetes care, and the collaboration between health care professionals and people with diabetes. This review focuses on the definition and measurement of PROs and PREs, the importance of PROs and PREs for person-centred diabetes care, and integrating the perspectives of people with diabetes in the evaluation of medical, psychological and technological interventions. PROs have been increasingly accepted by Health Technology Assessment bodies and are therefore valued in the context of reimbursement decisions and consequently by regulators and other health care stakeholders for the allocation of health care resources. Furthermore, the review identified current challenges to the assessment and use of PROs and PREs in clinical care and research. These challenges relate to the combination of questionnaires and ecological momentary assessment for measuring PROs and PREs, lack of consensus on a core outcome set, limited sensitivity to change within many measures and insufficient standardization of what can be considered a minimal clinically important difference. Another issue that has not been sufficiently addressed is the involvement of people with diabetes in the design and development of measures to assess PROs and PREs.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Psychological Distress Among Diabetic Patients at Thyolo District Hospital in Malawi: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Emotional distress experienced by individuals with diabetes represents a type of psychological strain specific to the challenges posed by diabetes. It mirrors the emotional reactions arising from coping with the demands of the illness and the essential care associated with diabetes. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of psychological distress among diabetic patients at Thyolo District Hospital in Malawi.

Objective

To determine the prevalence and associated factors of psychological distress among diabetic patients at Thyolo District Hospital in Malawi.

Methods

The cross-sectional study involved 171 participants chosen using a simple random sampling technique at Thyolo District Hospital. The study was conducted from June 28 to July 27, 2023. The data were inputted into SPSS version 23.0, and descriptive statistics were employed for analysis. Cross-tabulation, utilizing Pearson chi-square, and correlation analysis were performed. The statistical significance level was established at P <0.05.

Results

Out of the 171 participants included in the study, 44 (25.7%) reported experiencing diabetic distress. According to levels of psychological distress, the study reports that 27 (15.8%) had mild depression, while 5 (2.9%) presented with moderate depression and 1 (0.6%) had extremely severe depression. As regards to levels of anxiety, 14 (8.2%) had mild anxiety, while 5 (2.9%) had moderate anxiety. In terms of stress levels, only one participant (0.6%) reported mild stress, and an equal proportion reported moderate stress. Additionally, age was identified as a significant factor associated with psychological distress, with a p-value of 0.001.

Conclusion

Approximately 33% of the diabetic patients involved in this study revealed psychological distress, and this condition showed a statistically significant association with age. Conducting routine assessments and implementing early control measures for the associated factors are crucial in mitigating both the prevalence and the impact of psychological distress among diabetic patients.

COVID-19 pandemic-related healthcare interruptions and diabetes distress: a national study of US adults with diabetes

BACKGROUND

Early COVID-19 pandemic research found changes in health care and diabetes management, as well as increased diabetes distress. This study aims to determine the association between COVID-19 pandemic-related healthcare interruptions and diabetes distress among adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in the US in 2021.

METHODS

Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze moderate and high levels of diabetes distress (reference = no diabetes distress) in 228 individuals with Type 1 diabetes and 2534 individuals with Type 2 diabetes interviewed in the National Health Interview Survey in 2021.

RESULTS

Among adults with Type 1 diabetes, 41.2% experienced moderate diabetes distress and 19.1% experienced high diabetes distress, and among adults with Type 2 diabetes, 40.8% experienced moderate diabetes distress and 10.0% experienced high diabetes distress. In adults with Type 1 diabetes, experiencing delayed medical care was associated with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 4.31 (95% CI: 1.91-9.72) for moderate diabetes distress and 3.69 (95% CI: 1.20-11.30) for high diabetes distress. In adults with Type 2 diabetes, experiencing delayed medical care was associated with an aOR of 1.61 (95% CI: 1.25-2.07) for moderate diabetes distress and 2.27 (95% CI: 1.48-3.49) for high diabetes distress. Similar associations were observed between not receiving medical care due to the pandemic and diabetes distress.

CONCLUSION

Among people with diabetes, experiencing delayed medical care and not receiving care due to the pandemic were associated with higher reports of diabetes distress.

Explaining improvement in diabetes distress: a longitudinal analysis of the predictive relevance of resilience and acceptance in people with type 1 diabetes

AIMS

To analyze if midterm improvement in diabetes distress can be explained by resilience, diabetes acceptance, and patient characteristics.

METHODS

N = 179 adults with type 1 diabetes were enrolled during their stay at a tertiary diabetes center (monocentric enrolment) and followed up over three months in a prospective, observational study ('DIA-LINK1'). Improvement in diabetes distress was assessed as reduction in the Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale score from baseline to follow-up. Resilience (Resilience Scale-13), acceptance (Diabetes Acceptance Scale), and patient characteristics were analyzed as predictors of improvement in diabetes distress using hierarchical multiple regression.

RESULTS

Greater reductions in diabetes distress were significantly explained by lower diabetes acceptance at baseline (β = -0.34, p < 0.01), while resilience, diabetes complications, and other person-related variables were not significantly related to changes in diabetes distress (all p > 0.05). When change in diabetes acceptance from baseline to follow-up was added to the model, improved diabetes distress was explained by increasing diabetes acceptance (β = 0.41, p < 0.01) and a shorter duration of diabetes (β = -0.18, p = 0.03), while baseline diabetes acceptance was no longer significantly associated (β = -0.14, p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes acceptance is inversely related to diabetes distress, and increasing acceptance explained greater improvement in diabetes distress. These findings suggest that increasing diabetes acceptance may facilitate the reduction of diabetes distress. Treatment approaches targeting acceptance might be useful for the mental healthcare of people with type 1 diabetes and clinically elevated diabetes distress.

Testing 3 Digital Health Platforms to Improve Mental Health Outcomes in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: A Pilot Trial

OBJECTIVE

Our aim in this study was to examine the potential impact of a 3-pronged digital health pilot intervention (TRIFECTA) on diabetes distress and depressive symptoms among adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in British Columbia.

METHODS

We recruited 60 adults with T1D (mean age 38.9±15.1 years, 75% female, 77% Caucasian) who participated in the 6-month pilot intervention involving 3 digital health platforms: monthly, provider-led, group-based sessions over Zoom (virtual huddles); a WhatsApp peer texting group; and a web-based "Ask-the-expert" portal. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 6 months and measured diabetes distress (T1D Diabetes Distress Scale), depressive symptoms (9-item Personal Health Questionnaire), and TRIFECTA engagement metrics.

RESULTS

Participation in TRIFECTA was associated with significant reductions in Overall Distress (p=0.011) and 4 distress subscales: Powerlessness (p=0.006), Management Distress (p=0.001), Hypoglycemia Distress (p=0.029), and Eating Distress (p<0.001). A higher number of virtual huddles attended predicted lower Overall Distress (p=0.019) and Family/Friends Distress (p=0.023). A higher number of "Ask-the-expert" posts viewed predicted lower Overall Distress (p=0.046), whereas a higher number of WhatsApp messages posted predicted lower Management Distress (p=0.006). Furthermore, engagement in all 3 metrics was a predictor for lower Negative Social Perceptions Distress (p<0.05). No associations were seen in other distress subscales or for depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Participation in TRIFECTA was linked to reduced diabetes distress levels, but not depressive symptoms, in a platform-dependent manner. This study provides promising pilot data for a subsequent large-scale and fully powered randomized controlled trial.

The Burden of Suboptimal Insulin Dosing in People with Diabetes in Spain: Barriers and Solutions from the Physician Perspective

Background

This study aimed to determine physicians' perceptions of the extent of suboptimal insulin dosing and the barriers and solutions to optimal dosing in people with diabetes (PwD) treated with insulin.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in four countries with primary care physicians and endocrinologists treating PwD using insulin pens, which included 53 questions on physicians' characteristics and their perceptions of the behaviors of PwD in relation to insulin dosing routines, unmet needs and potential solutions. Analyses were descriptive.

Results

Of the 160 physicians (80 primary care physicians, 80 specialists) surveyed in Spain, 58.1% were male and 88.8% had been qualified to practice for more than five years. Most physicians (>65%) indicated that 0-30% of PwD missed or skipped, mistimed, or miscalculated an insulin dose in the last 30 days. Common reasons for these actions were that PwD forgot, were out of their normal routine, were too busy or distracted, or were unsure of how much insulin to take. To optimize insulin dosing, over 75% of physicians considered it very helpful for PwD to have real-time insulin dosing calculation guidance, mobile app reminders, a device automatically recording glucose measurements and/or insulin, having insulin and glucose data in one place, and having the time for more meaningful conversations about insulin dosing routines.

Conclusion

According to physicians' perspectives, suboptimal insulin dosing remains common among PwD. This survey highlights the need for integrated and automated insulin dosing support to manage the complexity of insulin treatment, improve communications between PwD and physicians, and ultimately improve outcomes for PwD.

Comparison of the Sensor-Augmented Pump System with the Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop Delivery System: Quality of Life, Diabetes Distress, and Glycaemic Outcomes in a Real-Life Context

BACKGROUND

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is a chronic disease that requires exogenous insulin administration and intensive management to prevent any complications. Recent innovations in T1D management technologies include the Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop delivery system (AHCL). The pioneer AHCL system provides automated basal and automated bolus corrections when needed.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop (AHCL) system and the Sensor-Augmented Pump (SAP) with Predictive Low Glucose Management (PLGM) system, in relation to glycaemic outcomes, general and diabetes-related Quality of Life (QoL), and diabetes distress.

METHODS

General and diabetes-related QoL were assessed with the Diabetes Quality of Life Brief Clinical Inventory (DQOL-BCI) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), respectively. Diabetes distress was assessed with the Diabetes Distress Scale for Type 1 diabetes (T1-DDS).

RESULTS

Eighty-nine T1D adults participated in the study, mostly females (65.2%), with a mean age of 39.8 (± 11.5 years). They had on average 23 years of diabetes (± 10.7) and they were on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy. Significant differences favoring the AHCL over the SAP + PLGM system were demonstrated by lower mean glucose levels, less time above range, lower scores on DQOL-BCI, T1-DDS, and higher scores on WHOQOL-BREF. Finally, the linear regression models revealed the association of time in range in most of the above aspects.

CONCLUSION

This study highlighted the advantages of the AHCL system over the SAP + PLGM system in the real-world setting in relation to general and diabetes-related QoL, diabetes distress, and glycaemic outcomes.

Bringing an end to diabetes stigma and discrimination: an international consensus statement on evidence and recommendations

People with diabetes often encounter stigma (ie, negative social judgments, stereotypes, prejudice), which can adversely affect emotional, mental, and physical health; self-care, access to optimal health care; and social and professional opportunities. To accelerate an end to diabetes stigma and discrimination, an international multidisciplinary expert panel (n=51 members, from 18 countries) conducted rapid reviews and participated in a three-round Delphi survey process. We achieved consensus on 25 statements of evidence and 24 statements of recommendations. The consensus is that diabetes stigma is driven primarily by blame, perceptions of burden or sickness, invisibility, and fear or disgust. On average, four in five adults with diabetes experience diabetes stigma and one in five experience discrimination (ie, unfair and prejudicial treatment) due to diabetes, such as in health care, education, and employment. Diabetes stigma and discrimination are harmful, unacceptable, unethical, and counterproductive. Collective leadership is needed to proactively challenge, and bring an end to, diabetes stigma and discrimination. Consequently, we achieved unanimous consensus on a pledge to end diabetes stigma and discrimination.

Diabetes duration, perceived comfort with self-management and glycaemic control in adolescents with type 1 diabetes: A cross-sectional study

AIMS

Evidence is lacking on whether diabetes duration is associated with type 1 diabetes (T1D) self-management during late adolescence before transfer from paediatric to adult care. We examined associations of diabetes duration with dimensions of perceived comfort with diabetes self-management (self-efficacy, transition readiness, diabetes distress) and glycaemic control in late adolescence.

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional design, we conducted a secondary analysis of baseline data of adolescents (ages 16-17 years) with T1D followed at paediatric diabetes academic hospitals in Montreal and enrolled in the Group Education Trial to Improve Transition (GET-IT-T1D). Participants completed validated questionnaires on self-efficacy (Self-Efficacy for Diabetes Self-Management Measure [SEDM], score 1 to 10), diabetes distress and transition readiness, as well as a haemoglobin (HbA1c) capillary blood test. Our primary outcome was self-efficacy. We examined associations of diabetes duration with self-efficacy, diabetes distress, transition readiness and HbA1c using linear and logistic regression models adjusted for sex, socioeconomic status, insulin pump use, glucose sensor use and psychiatric comorbidity.

RESULTS

Of 203 adolescents with T1D, mean diabetes duration (SD) was 7.57 (4.44) years. Mean SEDM score was 6.83 (SD 1.62). Diabetes duration was not associated with self-efficacy, diabetes distress or transition readiness. Each additional year of diabetes duration was associated with 0.11% (95% CI, 0.05 to 0.16) higher HbA1c.

CONCLUSIONS

Although diabetes duration is not associated with dimensions of perceived comfort with diabetes self-management, adolescents with longer diabetes duration are at risk for higher HbA1c and may need additional support to improve glycaemic control before transition to adult care.

Association of stigma, diabetes distress and self-efficacy with quality of life in adolescents with type 1 diabetes preparing to transition to adult care

AIMS

In type 1 diabetes (T1D), psychosocial factors may impact quality of life (QOL) and clinical outcomes, but remain understudied, particularly during late adolescence. Our aim was to determine whether stigma, diabetes distress and self-efficacy are associated with QOL in adolescents with T1D as they are preparing to transition to adult care.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of adolescents (ages 16-17 years) with T1D participating in the Group Education Trial to Improve Transition (GET-IT) in Montreal, Canada. Participants completed validated questionnaires on stigma using the Barriers to Diabetes Adherence (BDA) stigma subscale, self-efficacy (Self-Efficacy for Diabetes Self-Management Measure [SEDM], score 1-10), diabetes distress (Diabetes Distress Scale for Adults with type 1 diabetes) and QOL (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory [PedsQL] 4.0 Generic Core Scale and PedsQL 3.2 Diabetes Module). We examined associations of stigma, diabetes distress and self-efficacy with QOL using multivariate linear regression models adjusted for sex, diabetes duration, socioeconomic status and HbA1c.

RESULTS

Of 128 adolescents with T1D, 76 (59%) self-reported having the diabetes-related stigma and 29 (22.7%) reported experiencing diabetes distress. Those with stigma had lower diabetes-specific and general QOL scores compared with those without stigma, and stigma and diabetes distress were both associated with lower diabetes-specific QOL and lower general QOL. Self-efficacy was associated with higher diabetes-specific and general QOL.

CONCLUSIONS

Stigma and diabetes distress are associated with lower QOL, whereas self-efficacy is associated with higher QOL in adolescents with T1D preparing to transfer to adult care.

Mental health nursing care for people with diabetes mellitus: An integrative review

OBJECTIVE

evaluate the evidence available on mental health nursing care for people with diabetes mellitus at different levels of health care.

METHOD

integrative literature review. The search was conducted in five databases. The sample consisted of 14 studies. The studies were exported to the EndNote manager and their data to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using tools proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Sampling, categorization, evaluation, interpretation of the results, and synthesis of the included studies were carried out by two reviewers independently. The descriptive analysis of the results is presented in three categories.

RESULTS

self-care guidelines enhanced by the social support network, encompassing physical and psychological tools and strategies; therapeutic communication and psychotherapy strategies, focusing on psychotherapy and therapeutic communication; and self-management interventions, addressing self-care based on behavioral theories.

CONCLUSION

the synthesis of knowledge revealed that guidelines for self-care enhanced by the social support network, psychotherapy and therapeutic communication strategies, and self-management interventions are positive interventions that contribute to people with mental disorders and diabetes mellitus in the prevention of diseases.

Adaptation and psychometric assessment of the instrument "Partners of Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Distress Scale" in a Brazilian population

Objectives

To adapt the instrument "Partners of Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Distress Scale" (Partner-DDS) into Brazilian culture, and to evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the adapted version.

Methods

All the cultural adaptation steps of the measure's instruments were followed. The psychometric properties such as reliability (stability by test-retest; internal consistency), and convergent construct validity were performed.

Results

Of all 72 partners, 69.4% were male, mean age: 42.69 ± 14.09 years, mean of marriage duration: 14.74 ± 12.41 years, and mean schooling: 11.81 ± 3.91 years.The internal consistency of the instrument (Cronbach Alpha) was 0.90. The intra-class coefficient (stability) was 0.80 (0.72-0.84). The Spearman coefficient (convergent construct validity) between the Partner-DDS scale and the Anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A) was 0.4273 (p < 0.0002).

Conclusions

The steps of the instruments' cultural adaptation were appropriately performed. The Brazilian version of the Partner- DDS scale demonstrates reliable psychometric properties for being used in POPWT1D distress evaluation in Brazil.

Innovation

The cultural adaptation of Partner-DDS scale into Brazilian Portuguese is a helpful innovation to assess the emotional burden in POPWT1D. This tool could be used to provide education and psychological support for this population.

Evaluation of a novel eating disorder prevention program for young women with type 1 diabetes: A preliminary randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate whether the Body Project prevention program adapted for young women with type 1 diabetes (Diabetes Body Project) reduces eating disorder (ED) risk factors and symptoms.

METHODS

Young women (aged 15-30) at high-risk for EDs due to having type 1 diabetes and body image concerns (N = 55) were randomized to virtually delivered Diabetes Body Project groups or an educational control condition, completing measures at pretest, posttest, and 3-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Diabetes Body Project versus the control participants showed significantly greater reductions in thin-ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction, diabetes distress, diabetes eating pathology, and ED symptoms by posttest, and greater reductions in diabetes eating pathology and ED symptoms, and greater improvements in quality of life by 3-month follow-up, which were medium to large effects (d's ranged from -0.43 to -0.90). Although control participants showed a worsening of glycemic control (time in range) verses Diabetes Body Project participants, this difference was non-significant (d = 0.26).

CONCLUSIONS

Virtually delivered Diabetes Body Project decreased ED risk factors and symptoms in young women with type 1 diabetes. A well powered randomized controlled trial is warranted to evaluate this intervention over longer follow-up.

The role of diabetes distress in Diabulimia

IMPORTANCE

Diabulimia is a disordered eating behavior in which a person with type 1 diabetes withholds insulin injections to lose weight. It is thought that the psychosocial stress of managing this chronic disease, which is termed diabetes distress, may contribute to developing diabulimia.

OBJECTIVE

This paper explores links between diabetes distress and diabulimia and their relevance to the diagnosis and treatment of diabulimia by assessing whether people with diabulimia report measurable evidence of diabetes distress.

EVIDENCE REVIEW

We evaluated studies examining the qualitative experiences of people with disordered eating behaviors in the setting of type 1 diabetes for themes of diabetes distress by identifying aspects of the patients' stories that matched the criteria in the Diabetes Distress Scale. Selected studies recorded primary data, analyzed qualitative data, examined lived experiences of individuals with diabulimia, and were made available in English-language peer-reviewed journals between January 1, 2000 and August 31, 2022. Exclusion criteria included partial articles, editorials, reviews, and abstracts along with studies of patients with type 2 diabetes.

FINDINGS

Over forty individual participants across twelve studies were found to have aspects of their experiences that met one or more criteria from the Diabetes Distress Scale. Participants reported experiences that matched criteria items from each of the seven subscales of the Diabetes Distress Scale. Participants in the twelve studies included 185 individuals with type 1 diabetes experiencing diabulimia, including 164 females (88.6%), 20 males (10.8%), and 1 non-reported gender (0.54%).

CONCLUSION

We believe this discovery warrants further research probing the prevalence of diabetes distress among people with diabulimia as well as other links between the two conditions. We advocate for a diabetes distress-informed approach to diabulimia treatment and for diabetes distress screening in every patient with type 1 diabetes.

Counting the Minutes: Perceived Diabetes Mental Load and its Associations With Technology Use and Mental Disorders

Little is known about mental load in people with diabetes and associations with demographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics, such as the use of diabetes technologies. To explore perceived mental load, 503 adults with diabetes answered the one-item survey "How much time (in minutes) would you spontaneously estimate that you spend each day thinking about your diabetes?" Mental load estimations varied widely within the sample and between subgroups. Perceived mental load was higher in type 1 diabetes than in type 2 diabetes, higher in women than in men and increased with treatment intensity (ie, insulin therapy, technology use) and the number of mental disorders. Further research may explore associations with diabetes-related distress and determine whether (perceived) mental load has relevance in technology use.

The Mediating Effect of Experiential Avoidance on the Relationship between Diabetes Distress and Self-Stigma in People with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 in Republic of Korea

This descriptive study aimed to explore the mediating role of experiential avoidance in the association between diabetes distress and self-stigma in Korean patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. The study included 196 participants with diabetes mellitus type 2, diagnosed by an endocrinologist. Data were collected from 20 September to 31 September 2021, using an online self-report questionnaire focusing on diabetes distress, diabetes self-stigma, and experiential avoidance. For the mediating effect analysis, a three-step hierarchical multiple analysis was performed using SPSS, and the mediating effect was verified using SPSS PROCESS Macro. The findings revealed that the average scores for diabetes distress, self-stigma, and experiential avoidance were 3.01 ± 0.66, 2.57 ± 0.82, and 3.65 ± 0.55, respectively. Positive correlations were observed among diabetes distress, self-stigma, and experiential avoidance. Specifically, experiential avoidance partially mediated the relationship between diabetes distress and self-stigma, accounting for 47.7% of the variance. These findings reveal that it is crucial to focus on countering experiential avoidance to assist patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 in overcoming the self-stigma and distress related to their condition. In addition, it is necessary to develop a gradual and tailored program aimed at reducing experiential avoidance.

Translation and localization the Persian version of diabetes distress scale among type 2 diabetes

INTRODUCTION

The aimed of this psychometric cross-sectional research was translation and localization the Persian version of diabetes distress scale in type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

This psychometric cross-sectional research was translation and localization the Persian version of diabetes distress scale among 1028 type 2 diabetes in Mashhad city, Iran, 2022. Cluster sampling method was used for selection the participants. The validity and reliability of diabetes distress scale designed and evaluated by Polonsky was assessed in this study. The validity of diabetes distress scale was evaluated by face validity, content validity, and structural validity. Twenty-six type 2 diabetes were selected for evaluation the reliability of scale.

RESULTS

The factor loading of all questions of diabetes distress scale were more than 0.4 and the results of goodness-of-fit indexes showed acceptable values (for example: RMSEA = 0.076, IFI = 0.909, AGFI = 0.819, PNFI = 0.758). Cronbach's alpha coefficient, McDonald omega coefficient and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) showed a value of 0.950, 0.955, and 0.903, respectively for all items of diabetes distress scale. Cronbach's alpha coefficient, McDonald omega coefficient and ICC showed a value of 0.914, 0.917, and 0.893, respectively for Core Level of Distress (8 items). Also, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, McDonald omega coefficient, and ICC showed a value of 0.920, 0.928, and 0.884, respectively for all factors of Sources of Distress (21 items).

CONCLUSION

The Persian form of diabetes distress scale with 29 items and two parts of Core Level of Distress with 8 items and Sources of Distress with 21 items and 7 factors (Hypoglycemia with 3 items, Long-term Health with 3 items, Healthcare Provider with 3 items, Interpersonal Issues with 3 items, Shame/Stigma with 3 items, Healthcare Access with 3 items, and Management Demands with 3 items) is a good scale to evaluation the status of diabetes distress in Iranian type 2 diabetes.

Glucose variability and mood in people with type 1 diabetes using ecological momentary assessment

OBJECTIVE

Mood fluctuations related to blood glucose excursions are a commonly reported source of diabetes-distress, but research is scarce. We aimed to assess the relationship between real-time glucose variability and mood in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using ecological momentary assessments.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, participants wore a masked continuous glucose monitor and received prompts on their smartphone 6 times a day to answer questions about their current mood (Profile Of Mood States (POMS)-SF (dimensions: Anxiety, Depressive symptoms, Anger, Fatigue, Vigor)) for 14 days. Mixed model analyses examined associations over time between daily Coefficient of Variation (CV) of blood glucose and mean and variability (CV) of POMS scores. Further, within-person differences in sleep and nocturnal hypoglycemia were explored.

RESULTS

18 people with T1D (10 female, mean age 44.3 years) participated. A total of 264 out of 367 days (70.2%) could be included in the analyses. No overall significant associations were found between CV of blood glucose and mean and CV of POMS scores, however, nocturnal hypoglycemia moderated the associations between CV of blood glucose and POMS scales (mean Fatigue Estimate 1.998, p < .006, mean Vigor Estimate -3.308, p < .001; CV Anger Estimate 0.731p = 0.02, CV Vigor Estimate -0.525, p = .006).

CONCLUSION

We found no overall relationship between real-time glycemic variability and mood per day. Further research into within-person differences such as sleep and nocturnal hypoglycemia is warranted.

Significant reduction in diabetes distress and improvements in psychosocial outcomes: A pilot test of an intervention to reduce diabetes distress in adults with type 1 diabetes and moderate-to-severe diabetes distress (REDUCE)

AIM

To pilot-test an intervention, co-designed with people with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and diabetes specialist nurses, to reduce diabetes distress (DD) in adults with T1DM and moderate-to-severe DD.

METHODS

A group-based programme to reduce DD in people with T1DM and moderate-to-severe DD (REDUCE) was pilot-tested in four groups with five bi-weekly two and a half-hour meetings facilitated by two trained diabetes specialist nurses. Data collection included baseline and post-intervention questionnaires measuring DD and psychosocial outcomes and semi-structured interviews with participants post-intervention (n = 18). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and systematic text condensation.

RESULTS

Twenty-five adults with T1DM participated in the study. The median age and diabetes duration of participants were 50 (IQR: 32;57.5) years and 26 (IQR: 18;45) years, respectively. Seventeen (68%) were women. The pilot study showed a significant reduction in DD (measured by Type 1 Diabetes Distress Scale) between baseline and post-intervention from 2.6 ± 0.7 to 1.9 ± 0.6 (mean ± SD) (p < 0.001). The largest reductions were seen on the subscales: powerlessness 1.2 ± 1.1, eating distress 0.9 ± 1.2 and fear of hypoglycaemia 0.8 ± 1.0 (mean ± SD). Significant improvements were also seen for quality of life, diabetes empowerment and emotion regulation. Qualitative data showed that REDUCE supported participants in verbalizing emotions and seeing worries in a more constructive perspective. Acknowledgement of negative diabetes experiences eased negative self-judgments. Sharing experiences among peers increased relatedness and reduced loneliness.

CONCLUSION

Participation in REDUCE was associated with significant reduction in DD and significant increase in quality of life. Larger scale studies are planned to determine sustained effectiveness of REDUCE.

Psychosocial Impact of the Insulin-Only iLet Bionic Pancreas for Adults, Youth, and Caregivers of Youth with Type 1 Diabetes

Objective: To evaluate the psychosocial impact and user experience for the insulin-only configuration of iLet bionic pancreas (BP) in persons 6-83 years years of age with type 1 diabetes. Research Design and Methods: In this multicenter, randomized controlled, 13-week trial, 275 adults (221 randomly assigned to the BP group and 54 to the standard of care [SC] group) and 165 youth and their caregivers (112 randomly assigned to the BP group and 53 to the SC group) completed psychosocial questionnaires at baseline, mid-study, and the end of the trial. Results: In all age groups, most participants would recommend using the BP, including those with previous experience using automated insulin delivery devices. Similarly, the vast majority of participants reported a high level of perceived benefits and a low number of perceived burdens. Adult participants reported significant decreases in the fear of hypoglycemia and in diabetes-specific emotional distress, as well as improvements in their perceived well-being. Conclusion: Findings demonstrate acceptability, reduced burden, and positive psychosocial outcomes for adults. Children and teenagers also report high acceptability and reduced burden, but less clear improvements in psychosocial outcomes. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT04200313.