Diabetes stigma, parent depressive symptoms and Type-1 diabetes glycemic control in India

Nephro-protective effects of alpha-lipoic acid in type I diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an insulin-dependent autoimmune condition. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are volatile fatty acids with 1-6 carbon atoms that influence glucose storage in the body and can reduce appetite, potentially decreasing T1D risk. Alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA), a type of SCFA, has previously been used to treat diabetic neuropathy and inflammation due to its antioxidant properties. This study aims to assess α-LA's protective effects against T1D and associated kidney damage in rats induced with streptozotocin. Diabetic rats were treated with α-LA orally for 15 days, resulting in improved blood glucose (56% decrease) and kidney function markers like blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and uric acid. α-LA also showed significant antioxidant effects by decreasing LPO as well as improving activities of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione-S transferase and alleviated kidney damage caused by diabetes. Docking experiments suggest that α-LA may regulate diabetes-related changes at the epigenetic level through interactions with the SIRT1 protein, indicating its potential as a target for future antidiabetic drug development.

The relationship between stigma and psychological distress among people with diabetes: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Diabetes may perceive or experience varying degrees of stigma and psychological distress. The association between diabetes-related stigma and psychological distress has been examined in many studies, but no research has used a quantitative synthesis method to investigate the severity of this association and the moderators of the relationship. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to quantitatively integrate previous findings to identify the magnitude of the association between stigma and psychological distress among people with diabetes.

REVIEW METHODS

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, we systematically searched four English academic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and PsycINFO) and three Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI], WANFANG Data, China Science and Technology Journal Database [VIP]). The databases were searched from the inception of each database to the end of March 2023. The pooled correlation coefficient of the association between stigma and psychological distress among people with diabetes was calculated by a random effects model using Stata software (version 17.0), and several moderators that impacted this relationship were identified.

RESULTS

Eligible studies (N = 19) with a total of 12,777 participants were analysed. The pooled correlation was high between diabetes-related stigma and psychological distress (r = 0.50, 95% CI: [0.43-0.57]). Moreover, the association was moderated by the diabetes stigma measurement tools and diabetes distress measurement tools used. However, the relationship was not moderated by type of diabetes, age, gender, geographical location, or type of stigma.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the meta-analysis showed that stigma is strongly related to psychological distress among people with diabetes. Longitudinal or experimental research should be expanded in the future to further identify the causal pathways in the relationship between diabetes stigma and diabetes distress.

Diabetes Stigma and Clinical Outcomes in Adolescents and Young Adults: The SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between diabetes stigma and HbA1c, treatment plan and acute and chronic complications in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth study is a multicenter cohort study that collected questionnaire, laboratory, and physical examination data about AYAs with diabetes diagnosed in childhood. A five-question survey assessed frequency of perceived diabetes-related stigma, generating a total diabetes stigma score. We used multivariable linear modeling, stratified by diabetes type, to examine the association of diabetes stigma with clinical factors, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, clinic site, diabetes duration, health insurance, treatment plan, and HbA1c.

RESULTS

Of 1,608 respondents, 78% had type 1 diabetes, 56% were female, and 48% were non-Hispanic White. The mean (SD) age at study visit was 21.7 (5.1) years (range, 10-24.9). The mean (SD) HbA1c was 9.2% (2.3%; 77 mmol/mol [2.0 mmol/mol]). Higher diabetes stigma scores were associated with female sex and higher HbA1c (P < 0.01) for all participants. No significant association between diabetes stigma score and technology use was observed. In participants with type 2 diabetes, higher diabetes stigma scores were associated with insulin use (P = 0.04). Independent of HbA1c, higher diabetes stigma scores were associated with some acute complications for AYAs with type 1 diabetes and some chronic complications for AYAs with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes stigma in AYAs is associated with worse diabetes outcomes and is important to address when providing comprehensive diabetes care.

Perceived stigma among diabetic patients and their caregivers: a review

AIMS

Considerable number of studies in the existing literature indicate the existence of stigma related to many diseases, disabilities, and disorders, but less attention has been given to diabetes-related stigma. This narrative review of literature aims to explore the existence of stigma surrounding type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

METHODS

Literature were searched using search engines, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus electronic databases published from year 2000 to 2020. Both qualitative and quantitative studies focusing on the stigma associated with T1DM were included. A total of 21 articles met the inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis of collected research material was done.

RESULTS

Results provided substantial evidence that stigma associated with T1DM was experienced by T1DM patients and their caregivers at some point in their lives and it had affected their lives in different domains such as difficulty finding a spouse, discrimination at employment opportunities, educational institutions, management of disease, being misjudged as a druggie, poor quality of life of the patient and caregiver, depressive symptoms among parents of patients, constant worrying of their child's disease management, and so on.

CONCLUSION

Stigma related to T1DM is experienced by individuals suffering from it, and it is widespread. It not only affects the sufferers but their loved ones also. To reduce and cope-up with stigma, there is a need to increase public education and awareness at a mass level. Further research and awareness will serve to build our understanding of the experience of diabetes-related stigma.

The prevalence of depression among parents of children/adolescents with type 1 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Emerging research indicates that depression among parents of children/adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has increased significantly. However, the prevalence rates reported by different studies vary substantially.

METHODS

Seven databases were systematically searched (Pubmed, Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PsycInfo) from the inception to 15th October 2022. We pooled prevalence rates from each study with a random-effect model. We conducted a stratified meta-analysis to identify the potential sources of heterogeneity among studies. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) approach was utilized to evaluate the quality of evidence.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies were included, with a total of 4639 parents living with type 1 diabetic children. Overall, the pooled prevalence rate of depression or depressive symptoms was 22.4% (95%CI 17.2% to 28.7%; I ² = 96.8%). The prevalence was higher among mothers (31.5%) than fathers (16.3%) as well as parents of children (aged < 12 years) with T1DM (32.3%) than those with adolescents (aged ≥ 12 years) (16.0%).

CONCLUSION

Our research suggests that more than 1 in 5 parents of type 1 diabetic children/adolescents worldwide suffer from depression or depressive symptom. Depression screening and interventions are required for parents of children with T1DM.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier (CRD42022368702).

Empowering families to take on a palliative caregiver role for patients with cancer in India: Persistent challenges and promising strategies

BACKGROUND

The population of patients with cancer requiring palliative care (PC) is on the rise in India. Family caregivers will be essential members of the care team in the provision of PC.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to characterize provider perspectives of the challenges that Indian families face in taking on a palliative caregiving role.

METHOD

Data for this analysis came from an evaluation of the PC-PAICE project, a series of quality improvement interventions for PC in India. We conducted 44 in-depth semi-structured interviews with organizational leaders and clinical team members at seven geographically and structurally diverse settings. Through thematic content analysis, themes relating to the caregivers' role were identified using a combination of deductive and inductive approaches.

RESULT

Contextual challenges to taking up the PC caregiving role included family members' limited knowledge about PC and cancer, the necessity of training for caregiving responsibilities, and cultural preferences for pursuing curative treatments over palliative ones. Some logistical challenges include financial, time, and mental health limitations that family caregivers may encounter when navigating the expectations of taking on the caregiving role. Strategies to facilitate family buy-in for PC provision include adopting a family care model, connecting them to services provided by Non-Governmental Organizations, leveraging volunteers and social workers to foster PC awareness and training, and responding specifically to family's requests.

CONCLUSION

Understanding and addressing the various challenges that families face in adopting the caregiver role are essential steps in the provision and expansion of PC in India. Locally initiated quality improvement projects can be a way to address these challenges based on the context.

How mothers of a child with type 1 diabetes cope with the burden of care: a qualitative study

INTRODUCTION

Caregiver burden is a complex construct that depends heavily on the context and culture of the community in which care takes place. This study aimed to explore the lived experience of being mothers of a child with type 1 diabetes aged 6 to 18 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used a qualitative methodology utilizing conventional content analysis. We conducted 24 interviews with 20 mothers who had a child with type 1 diabetes aged 6 to 17 years.

RESULTS

The mean age of mothers and children were 36.3 and 12.3 years, respectively. The mean of years with the disease was 4.3 years. Thirteen children were girls. The essential theme was coping with the burden of care through personalized coping and active acquisition of social support. The main theme consists of four sub-themes including Crisis in the family and burden of care, Losing the family equilibrium, Personalized coping strategies, and Active acquisition of social support. Mothers used personalized strategies and every support they could get to reach their aim.

CONCLUSIONS

Families of children with type 1 diabetes need extensive and personalized care plans.

Characterising common challenges faced by parental caregivers of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus in mainland China: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVES

The mental state of parental caregivers affects outcomes in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). This study aimed to qualitatively examine perception of common challenges among parental caregivers of children with T1DM.

SETTING

Semistructured interviews 45-60 min long were conducted with parental caregivers of children with T1DM. Interview recordings were transcribed and coded in NVivo V.11.0 to observe emergent themes.

PARTICIPANTS

Eligible T1DM caregiving parents (parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s)) were identified from caregivers attending visits with children hospitalised or assessed in the Pediatric Neuroendocrinology Department of Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University in Shenyang from January 2018 to June 2019.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Not applicable.

RESULTS

A total of 20 T1DM caregiving parents were interviewed, aged 30-53 years, including 7 fathers and 13 mothers, with their children whose mean age was 10.6±2.45 years. Content analysis revealed 5 major themes with 13 subthemes, including persistent psychological stress (catastrophic emotions, emotional distress and altered self-efficacy), family function change (altered family life patterns and changes in parental role/function), challenges in daily management (technical challenges, emotional regulation, parent-child conflict and transition of care autonomy from parent to child), financial burden (cost burden of treatment and altered family economics), and lack of social support (social activity limitations and insufficient support system).

CONCLUSIONS

The period of emotional disturbance during initial diagnosis, psychological stresses of long-term caregiving, and conflict emerging from transition from parental to child responsibility all can cause psychological response detrimental to parental caregivers and children with T1DM. This work provides compelling evidence for the role of assessment and intervention in parental caregivers' psychological and emotional well-being in diabetes care, as well as for the necessity of improved social and school support for children with T1DM in China.

Resilience Among Parents of Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes: Associated With Fewer Parental Depressive Symptoms and Better Pediatric Glycemic Control

BACKGROUND

Although pediatric resilience plays a significant role in resisting negative moods and improving glycaemic control, little research exists regarding resilience among the parents of adolescents with Type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate parental resilience's correlations with parental depressive symptoms, parental diabetes distress, and pediatric glycaemic control.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study recruited adolescents with Type 1 diabetes and their parents from two hospitals. The parents completed questionnaires. The 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale measured resilience; the Problem Areas in Diabetes Survey-Parent Revised version measured diabetes distress; the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 measured depressive symptoms. Standard glycated hemoglobin tests were performed on the adolescents.

RESULTS

Data from 224 parents (77.2% female, M_age = 39.88 [SD = 5.02], age range = 30-56 years) of adolescents (50.9% boys, M_age = 13.54 years [SD = 2.48], age range = 10-19 years) were available. More than half (52.7%) of parents exceeded the criterion score for high resilience. Parental resilience was significantly negatively associated with parental depressive symptoms and diabetes distress. Parents from the high-resilience group reported fewer depressive symptoms than those from the low-resilience group. In multivariate regressions, greater parental resilience is consistently related to better pediatric glycaemic control beyond parental psychological risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the importance of parental resilience for parental mental health and glycaemic control among adolescents with Type 1 diabetes. The appropriate resilience support programme might be developed for parents, especially for those existing depressive symptoms and diabetes distress.

Understanding the Lived Experience of Children With Type 1 Diabetes in Kenya: Daily Routines and Adaptation Over Time

Focusing only on biomedical targets neglects the important role that psychosocial factors play in effective diabetes self-management. This study aims to understand the lived experiences of children with Type 1 Diabetes (T1DM) in Kenya. Children (n = 15) participated in focus group discussions and photo diary data collection. Focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews were also conducted with caregivers (n = 14). We describe an adaptation to diabetes over time, identifying four overarching themes: knowledge and awareness, economic exclusion, the importance of social support, and striving for normality. Photo diaries are then categorized to explore daily realities of diabetes management. Children with T1DM in Kenya face varied barriers to care but can lead a "normal" and fulfilling life, provided adequate support is in place. To improve the lives of children with diabetes in this context and others like it, stakeholders must take note of children's experiences and recognize their multidimensional needs.

A Qualitative Study on Medication Taking Behaviour Among People With Diabetes in Australia

Background: Australia has a high proportion of migrants with an increasing migration rate from India. Type II diabetes is a long-term condition common amongst the Indian population.

Aims: To investigate patients’ medication-taking behaviour and factors that influence adherence at the three phases of adherence.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 23 Indian migrants living in Sydney. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.

Results: 1) Initiation: The majority of participants were initially prescribed oral antidiabetic medicine and only two were started on insulin. Most started taking their medicine immediately while some delayed initiating therapy due to fear of side-effects. 2) Implementation: Most participants reported taking their medicine as prescribed. However, some reported forgetting their medicine especially when they were in a hurry for work or were out for social events. 3) Discontinuation: A few participants discontinued taking their medicine. Those who discontinued did so to try Ayurvedic medicine. Their trial continued for a few weeks to a few years. Those who did not receive expected results from the Ayurvedic medicine restarted their prescribed conventional medicine.

Conclusion: A range of medication-taking behaviours were observed, ranging from delays in initiation to long-term discontinuation, and swapping of prescribed medicine with Ayurvedic medicine. This study highlights the need for tailored interventions, including education, that focus on factors that impact medication adherence from initiation to discontinuation of therapy.

Parents' experience of caring for children with type 1 diabetes in mainland China: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Parents of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are under heavy caregiving stress, and parental caregivers' experience can affect the health outcomes of children with T1DM.

AIM

To describe the true inner feelings of parents caring for children with T1DM.

METHODS

Descriptive research methods were used to classify and summarize parents' experience when adapting to the role of caregivers for children with T1DM. The data was sorted and analyzed using content analysis. Themes of parents' experience caring for children with T1DM were refined, and their feelings were deeply investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 4 themes and 12 subthemes were identified: (1) Desire for information (disease-related information, home care information, and channels of information acquisition); (2) Skill guidance needs (insulin injection techniques, skills required for symptom management, and skills for parent-child communication); (3) Seeking emotional support (family support, peer support from other parents of children with T1DM, and professional support); and (4) Lack of social support (needs for financial support and needs for social security).

CONCLUSION

Exploring the true experience of parents caring for children with T1DM is of great significance for helping them adapt to their role as caregivers. Nurses should provide professional guidance in terms of information, skills, emotion, and social support to parental caregivers.

Resilience outstrips the negative effect of caregiver burden on quality of life among parents of children with type 1 diabetes: An Application of Johnson-Neyman Analysis

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To determine whether resilience buffers the deleterious consequences of caregiver burden on quality of life among parents of children with type 1 diabetes.

BACKGROUND

The burden of caring for a child with type 1 diabetes can be a form of stress and damage parents' quality of life. Resilience is a crucial psychological variable that contributes to individual health in the context of extraordinary challenges. However, no studies in paediatric diabetes have focused on the effects of parent resilience on caregiving burden and quality of life.

DESIGN

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with a convenience sample following the STROBE guidelines.

METHODS

A total of 227 parents were invited to participate during the children's routine outpatient visit. Parents completed measures of resilience, caregiver burden and quality of life. The disease characteristics of children were extracted from the electronic medical records. We performed hierarchical multiple regression and Johnson-Neyman statistical analysis to probe the moderating effect of resilience.

RESULTS

The parents reported poorer mental and physical health as compared with the general population. Caregiver burden was significantly negatively associated with parents' quality of life, while resilience demonstrated a positive correlation with life quality. Resilience served as a moderator between caregiver burden and mental health. When parents experienced a high caregiver burden, the benefit of high resilience for better mental health was apparent.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study underscores the protective role of resilience in reducing caregiving burden and improving parents' quality of life.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Regular psychosocial assessment for parents of children with type 1 diabetes should be incorporated into clinical nursing practice. This study confirms that resilience is a promising intervention target for parents with heavy caregiver burden and unsatisfactory life quality.