Challenges to Diabetes Self-Management in Emerging Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

Meeting the Needs of Emerging Adults With Type 1 Diabetes Living in a Rural Area With Mobile Health Interventions: Focus Group Study

BACKGROUND

Emerging adults (EAs; age 18-30 years) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have more challenges with diabetes management and glycemic control than other age groups. Living in a rural community introduces additional unique diabetes care challenges due to limited access to specialty care and ancillary support services. Yet, few interventions have been developed to improve diabetes management in rural-dwelling EAs with T1D.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to understand the diabetes management experiences of older adolescents and EAs (age 16-25 years) with T1D living in a rural area and to assess their perceptions of the acceptability of 4 fully automated mobile health (mHealth) interventions to support diabetes management.

METHODS

EAs were identified by clinical staff through convenience sampling. In total, 8 EAs participated in 1 focus group and 1 EA completed an individual interview; all data were collected over Zoom. Facilitators explored EAs' experiences living in a rural community with T1D and discussed EAs' impressions of, feedback on, and recommendations for improving 4 mHealth interventions to meet the specific needs of EAs with T1D living in rural communities. Discussions were transcribed and analyzed using conventional content analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 9 EAs (aged 18.8, SD 2.7 years; 5, 56% men; 8, 89% White) with a duration of diabetes of 8.6 (SD 4.3) years participated. They described experiences with diabetes stigma (attributing diabetes to poor lifestyle choices) and feelings of self-consciousness (hyperawareness) in their rural communities. They attributed these experiences to the small size of their communities ("everyone knows") and community members' lack of knowledge about diabetes (unable to differentiate between type 1 and type 2 diabetes). In contrast, EAs reported high levels of social support for diabetes and diabetes care from family, friends, and other community members, but low support for medical needs. The location of their diabetes care providers and the limited accessibility of diabetes-specific and general medical care services in their local community created a challenging medical care context. Overall, EAs found mHealth interventions appealing due to their digital delivery and highlighted features that increased accessibility (voiceovers and simple, jargon-free language), individualization (ability to tailor intervention content and delivery), and applicability to their own lives and other EAs with T1D (relatability of vignettes and other content). EAs suggestions for improving the interventions included more opportunities to tailor the interventions to their preferences (greater frequency and duration, ability to adapt content to emerging needs), increasing opportunities for peer support within the interventions (friend and significant other as identified support person, connecting with peers beyond their local community), and making the tone of intervention components more casual and engaging.

CONCLUSIONS

mHealth interventions aligned with EAs' needs and preferences are a promising strategy to support EAs in communities where social support and resources might be limited.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

N/A, not a clinical trial.

Barriers and Facilitators Impacting Disease and Symptom Management Among College Students With Type 1 Diabetes: A Qualitative Study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators impacting disease and symptom management among college students living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).

DESIGN

A qualitative, phenomenological approach using semi-structured, one-on-one interviews.

SETTING

Interviews conducted on Zoom (n = 28) and in-person (n = 3).

PARTICIPANTS

Purposive sample of 31 college students living with T1D for at least 2 years who attended large, 4-year public universities in the Southeastern United States.

METHOD

This study was theoretically informed using the Middle-Range Theory of Self-Care of Chronic Illness Integration of Symptoms to develop interview questions. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and uploaded in NVivo. Data were analyzed thematically using a codebook developed by the research team using the theory as a framework. Trustworthiness was established using an audit trail, memos, and negative case analysis.

RESULTS

Four themes described barriers: diabetes burnout, challenges adjusting to a college lifestyle, difficulty receiving medical supplies, and insurance limitations. Five themes explained facilitators: years of experience managing T1D, tangible support with medical supplies, informational support for disease management, and emotional/technological support for disease and symptom management.

CONCLUSION

Barriers and facilitators in this study should be addressed in future T1D interventions for college students. Findings can also guide healthcare professionals, health promotion practitioners, family, friends, and significant others on how to better support college students as they manage T1D.

"Obviously, Nothing's Gonna Happen in Five Minutes": How Adolescents and Young Adults Infrastructure Resources to Learn Type 1 Diabetes Management

Learning personalized self-management routines is pivotal for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D), particularly early in diagnosis. Context-aware technologies, such as hybrid closed-loop (HCL) insulin pumps, are important tools for diabetes self-management. However, clinicians have observed that practices using these technologies involve significant individual differences. We conducted interviews with 20 adolescents and young adults who use HCL insulin pump systems for managing T1D, and we found that these individuals leverage both technological and non-technological means to maintain situational awareness about their condition. We discuss how these practices serve to infrastructure their self-management routines, including medical treatment, diet, and glucose measurement-monitoring routines. Our study provides insights into adolescents' and young adults' lived experiences of using HCL systems and related technology to manage diabetes, and contributes to a more nuanced understanding of how the HCI community can support the contextualized management of diabetes through technology design.

Diabetes care in the pandemic era in the Midwestern USA: a semi-structured interview study of the patient perspective

OBJECTIVES

To understand patients' experiences with diabetes care during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an emphasis on rural, medically underserved, and/or minoritised racial and ethnic groups in the Midwestern USA.

DESIGN

Community-engaged, semi-structured interviews were conducted by medical student researchers trained in qualitative interviewing. Transcripts were prepared and coded in the language in which the interview was conducted (English or Spanish). Thematic analysis was conducted, and data saturation was achieved.

SETTING

The study was conducted in communities in Eastern and Western Iowa.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults with diabetes (n=20) who were fluent in conversational English or Spanish were interviewed. One-third of participants were residents of areas designated as federal primary healthcare professional shortage areas and/or medically underserved areas, and more than half were recruited from medical clinics that offer care at no cost.

RESULTS

Themes across both English and Spanish transcripts included: (1) perspectives of diabetes, care providers and care management; (2) challenges and barriers affecting diabetes care; and (3) participant feedback and recommendations. Participants reported major constraints related to provider availability, costs of care, access to nutrition counselling and mental health concerns associated with diabetes care during the pandemic. Participants also reported a lack of shared decision-making regarding some aspects of care, including amputation. Finally, participants recognised systems-level challenges that affected both patients and providers and expressed a preference for proactive collaboration with healthcare teams.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support enhanced engagement of rural, medically underserved and minoritised groups as stakeholders in diabetes care, diabetes research and diabetes provider education.

Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Young adults experience multiple developmental transitions across social, educational, vocational, residential, and financial life domains. These transitions are potential competing priorities to managing a chronic condition such as type 1 diabetes and can contribute to poor psychosocial and medical outcomes. In this narrative review, we describe population outcomes of young adult populations and the unique considerations associated with managing type 1 diabetes in young adulthood. We provide an overview of the current evidence-based strategies to improve care for young adults with type 1 diabetes and recommendations for future directions in the field.

Financial stress in emerging adults with type 1 diabetes: a mini review integrating lessons from cancer research

Amongst adults in the United States, those ages 18-30 have the highest unemployment rates, the lowest incomes, and are the most likely to be uninsured. Achieving financial independence is a core developmental task for this age group, but for those with type 1 diabetes (T1D), the high costs of insulin and diabetes supplies as well as an employment-based insurance model with minimal safety net can make this a formidable challenge. Cost-related non-adherence to diabetes management is particularly high in emerging adults with T1D and is associated with severe consequences, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and even death. Objective financial burden and subjective financial distress related to illness are not unique to diabetes; in cancer care this construct is termed financial toxicity. Researchers have identified that emerging adults with cancer are particularly vulnerable to financial toxicity. Such research has helped inform models of care for cancer patients to mitigate cost-related stress. This mini review aims to briefly describe the state of the science on financial stress for emerging adults with T1D and explore parallels in cancer scholarship that can help guide future work in diabetes care to reduce health inequity, drive research forward, improve clinical care, and inform policy debates.

Lifestyle in Emerging Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Qualitative Systematic Review

Emerging adulthood is a transitional stage with significant lifestyle changes, making it especially challenging for those living with type 1 diabetes mellitus. This systematic review synthesizes qualitative research to explore how emerging adulthood (18-29 years) influences lifestyle behaviors in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus. CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Global Health, Nursing & Allied Health Premium, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and WOS were searched for original qualitative studies addressing the lifestyle of 18-31-year-olds with type 1 diabetes mellitus, published between January 2010 and March 2021 following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Thirty-five studies met the inclusion criteria and their findings were categorized into eight topics (emotions and feelings, nutrition, perceptions, risky behaviors, self-care, sleep, social relationships, and stigma) using meta-aggregation, as outlined in the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis. The spontaneity characteristic of emerging adulthood can undermine self-care. This is because new environments, schedules, and relationships encountered during this life stage often lead to the neglect of diabetes management, owing to the various social, academic, and occupational demands. This review highlights the necessity of creating health promotion strategies tailored to the unique lifestyle aspects of emerging adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Sociodemographic and Clinical Determinants on Health-Related Quality of Life in Emerging Andalusian Adults with Type 1 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study

(1) Background: Having type 1 diabetes during emerging adulthood can impact quality of life due to the challenge of balancing optimal glycemic blood levels with a period of transition and exploration. The purpose of this study was to characterize the quality of life of emerging adults aged 18 to 29 years with type 1 diabetes and to determine the associations between dimensions of Health-Related Quality of Life in type 1 diabetes and sociodemographic and diabetes-related variables. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Andalusia, Spain, from October 2021 to July 2022. A total of 362 emerging adults with type 1 diabetes (67.4% women, mean age 22.8 ± 3.4 years) participated. Data were gathered via sociodemographic information form and the ViDa1 scale. Statistical evaluations, encompassing descriptive analyses, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlations, and logistic regression, were conducted using SPSSv26, adhering to STROBE guidelines. (3) Results: Among the participants, 52.1% have a glycosylated hemoglobin level over 7%. Interference with Life is correlated with sex, age, and age at diagnosis, with age being the only predictor. Self-Care is correlated with and predicted by glycosylated hemoglobin levels. Well-being is correlated with and predicted by sex, Body Mass Index, and glycosylated hemoglobin levels. Concern about the Condition is correlated with and predicted by sex and glycosylated hemoglobin levels. (4) Conclusions: Despite concerns about their disease, participants generally maintain optimal levels of Health-Related Quality of Life in type 1 diabetes. Predictive factors for Health-Related Quality of Life in type 1 diabetes in this group include sex, age, Body Mass Index, and glycosylated hemoglobin.

Delineating and clarifying the concept of self-care monitoring: a concept analysis

AIM

To delineate and clarify the meaning of the concept of self-care monitoring from a patient perspective.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in the databases ASSIA, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and PubMed (January 2016-September 2021). A selection of 46 peer-reviewed articles was included in the study and analysed using Rodgers' Evolutionary Method for Concept Analysis.

RESULTS

The following four attributes were identified: Tracking symptoms, signs, and actions, Paying attention, Being confident, and Needing routines, creating a descriptive definition: "Self-care monitoring is an activity that means a person has to pay attention and be confident and needs routines for tracking symptoms, signs, and action." The antecedents of the concept were shown to be Increased knowledge, Wish for independence, and Commitment. The concepts' consequences were identified as Increased interaction, Perceived burden, and Enhanced well-being.

CONCLUSIONS

This concept analysis provides extensive understanding of self-care monitoring from a patient perspective. It was shown that the concept occurs when a person practices self-care monitoring at home either with or without devices. A descriptive definition was constructed and presented with exemplars to encourage practice of the concept in various healthcare settings and could be of relevance to people with chronic illnesses or other long-term conditions.

Adolescents' Experiences of Transition to Self-Management of Type 1 Diabetes: Systematic Review and Future Directions

PURPOSE

The purpose of this systematic literature review was to explore studies that report the experiences of adolescents, their families, and health care professionals of adolescents' transition to self-management of type 1 diabetes (T1DM).

METHODS

SocINDEX, PsycInfo, APA PsycArticles, and MEDLINE electronic databases were searched. Studies reporting on experiences of transition to self-management of T1DM for adolescents, their parents, siblings, and health care professionals published between January 2010 amd December 2021 were included. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool guided trustworthiness and relevance of selected studies.

RESULTS

A total of 29 studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicate that adolescents' experiences of transitioning to self-management of T1DM are interconnected with the supports provided by others (eg, family, teachers, friends). Considering interdependence and collective lived experiences is essential to developing effective and personalized family, peer, and social interventions to facilitate transition and to avoid negative outcomes in later life. The renegotiation of roles within the network of supports that impact adolescents' transition and adolescents' self-negotiation have been neglected.

CONCLUSION

Transition to self-management of T1DM is a dynamic and iterative process comprising of continuous shifts between interdependence and independence, making it challenging for all involved. A number of research gaps and avenues for future research are outlined.

Qualitative study exploring the perspectives of emerging adults with type 1 diabetes after transfer to adult care from a paediatric diabetes centre in Montreal, Canada

INTRODUCTION

Among youth living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), the increasing demands to diabetes self-care and medical follow-up during the transition from paediatric to adult care has been associated with greater morbidity and mortality. Inadequate healthcare support for youth during the transition care period could exacerbate psychosocial risks and difficulties that are common during emerging adulthood. The current investigation sought to explore the post-transfer perceptions of emerging adults living with T1D relating to their transition to adult care.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Thirty-three emerging adults living with T1D were recruited during paediatric care and contacted for a semistructured interview post-transfer to adult care (16.2±4.2 months post-transfer) in Montreal, Canada. We analysed data using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

We identified four key themes: (1) varied perceptions of the transition process from being quick and abrupt with minimal advice or information from paediatric healthcare providers (HCP) to more positive including a greater motivation for self-management and the transition being concurrent with the developmental period; (2) facilitators to the transition process included informational and tangible social support from HCPs and family or friends, a positive relationship with adult HCP and a greater ease in communicating with the adult care clinic or adult HCP; (3) barriers to adequate transition included lack of advice or information from paediatric HCPs, loss of support from HCPs and friends or family, the separation of healthcare services and greater difficulty in making appointments with adult clinic or HCP and (4) participants recommendations for improving the transition included increasing the length and frequency of appointments in adult care, having access to educational information, and better transition preparation from paediatric HCPs.

CONCLUSIONS

The experiences and perceptions of emerging adults are invaluable to guide the ongoing development and improvement of transition programmes for childhood-onset chronic illnesses.

Emerging Adults with Diabetes in Safety-Net Care: Self-Management Influences and Patient-Provider Interactions

Emerging adults with diabetes, particularly in underserved communities, represent a growing but less studied population whose needs may differ from older adults. This study investigated perspectives of underserved emerging adults regarding diabetes self-management influences and provider interactions. Focus groups and interviews with emerging adults in a safety-net health care setting were conducted to identify perspectives regarding self-management influences and patient-provider interactions. Diabetes was perceived as a psychological burden complicated by busy lifestyles and competing responsibilities. Lack of resources, especially financial barriers, also limited self-management. Participants often perceived diabetes visits as standardized encounters providing access to diabetes supplies but desired additional guidance appropriate to their needs and life-stage. Participants valued encouragement and positive ongoing provider relationships for tailored informational and emotional support and support from family and peers. Providers and health care systems adapting to provide or facilitate this support will be better able to optimize diabetes management at and between visits.

Time, Technology, Social Support, and Cardiovascular Health of Emerging Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Emerging adults with Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease; however, there are both barriers and facilitators to achieving ideal cardiovascular health in this stage of their lives.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore the barriers and facilitators of achieving ideal levels of cardiovascular health in a sample of emerging adults with T1DM ages 18-26 years.

METHODS

A sequential mixed-methods design was used to explore achievement of ideal cardiovascular health using the seven factors defined by the American Heart Association (smoking status, body mass index, physical activity, healthy diet, total cholesterol, blood pressure, and hemoglobin A1C [substituted for fasting blood glucose]). We assessed the frequency of achieving ideal levels of each cardiovascular health factor. Using Pender's health promotion model as a framework, qualitative interviews explored the barriers and facilitators of achieving ideal levels of each factor of cardiovascular health.

RESULTS

The sample was mostly female. Their age range was 18-26 years, with a diabetes duration between 1 and 20 years. The three factors that had the lowest achievement were a healthy diet, physical activity at recommended levels, and hemoglobin A1C of <7%. Participants described lack of time as a barrier to eating healthy, being physically active, and maintaining in-range blood glucose levels. Facilitators included the use of technology in helping to achieve in-range blood glucose and social support from family, friends, and healthcare providers in maintaining several healthy habits.

DISCUSSION

These qualitative data provide insight into how emerging adults attempt to manage their T1DM and cardiovascular health. Healthcare providers have an important role in supporting these patients in establishing ideal cardiovascular health at an early age.

Long-term glucose-lowering effect of intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring for type 1 diabetes patients in poor glycaemic control from Region North Denmark: An observational real-world cohort study

BACKGROUND

Lowering glucose levels is a complex task for patients with type 1 diabetes, and they often lack contact with health care professionals. Intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) has the potential to aid them with blood glucose management at home. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effect of isCGM on HbA1c in type 1 diabetes patients with poor glycaemic control in a region-wide real-world setting.

METHODS

All patients with type 1 diabetes receiving an isCGM due to poor glycaemic control (≥70 mmol/mol [≥8.6%]) in the period of 2020-21 in Region North Denmark ("T1D-CGM") were compared with all type 1 diabetes patients without isCGM ("T1D-NOCGM") in the same period. A multiple linear regression model adjusted for age, sex, diabetes duration and use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion was constructed to estimate the difference in change from baseline HbA1c between the two groups and within subgroups of T1D-CGM.

RESULTS

A total of 2,527 patients (T1D-CGM: 897; T1D-NOCGM: 1,630) were included in the study. The estimated adjusted difference in change from baseline HbA1c between T1D-CGM vs T1D-NOCGM was -5.68 mmol/mol (95% CI: (-6.69 to -4.67 mmol/mol; p<0.0001)). Older patients using isCGM dropped less in HbA1c.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that patients with type 1 diabetes in poor glycaemic control from Region North Denmark in general benefit from using isCGM with a sustained 24-month improvement in HbA1c, but the effect on HbA1c may be less pronounced for older patients.

Diabetes Distress in Emerging Adulthood: Content Validity of the Problem Areas in Diabetes-Emerging Adult Version (PAID-EA) Using Qualitative Analysis

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to explore the emotional work of diabetes during emerging adulthood and to explicate the validity of a newly developed measure of diabetes distress (DD) for use with emerging adults living with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), the Problem Areas in Diabetes-Emerging Adult version (PAID-EA).

METHODS

Young people ages 18 to 30 with T1DM were recruited online to complete a cross-sectional survey including measures of DD, depressive symptomology, and the PAID-EA. To evaluate content validity, 2 open-ended questions asked what was the most significant emotion or worry discussed in the survey items and what feelings were missed in those items. Responses were analyzed using directed qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 254 (87%) participants responded to at least 1 of the 2 open-ended questions. Three themes and 1 subtheme were identified: (1) fear of the future with the subtheme of worry about the cost of diabetes, (2) acute worries about living with diabetes, and (3) challenges with finding support. More PAID-EA items corresponded with these themes than items on the original Problem Areas in Diabetes or Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, supporting the validity of the PAID-EA and clarifying the developmental-stage-specific aspects of DD.

CONCLUSIONS

Emerging adulthood is a period in which the future should hold infinite possibility, but young people with T1DM describe a staggering fear of the future with markedly limited possibilities, supporting the need to measure the developmental-stage-specific experience of DD as captured on the PAID-EA.

Preclinical Characterization of LY3209590, a Novel Weekly Basal Insulin Fc-fusion Protein

The benefit of once-weekly basal insulin is less frequent dosing, which has the potential to reduce the barrier to injection therapy and impact patient activation, adherence/compliance, quality of life, and outcomes. Basal Insulin Fc (BIF, LY3209590, or insulin efsitora alfa) is a once-weekly basal insulin in clinical testing for type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. BIF is comprised of a novel single-chain variant of insulin fused to a human IgG2 Fc domain using a peptide linker. The in vitro binding affinity of BIF for the human insulin receptor (IR) was two orders of magnitude weaker relative to human insulin. BIF stimulated IR phosphorylation in cells with reduced potency, yet full agonism, and exhibited a significantly faster dephosphorylation kinetic profile than human insulin or AspB10 insulin. BIF stimulated de novo lipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and cell proliferation in SAOS-2 and H4IIE cells with {greater than or equal to}70-fold reduction in in vitro potency compared to human insulin. BIF possessed markedly reduced binding to hIGF-1R making definitive measurements unattainable. In vivo pharmacology studies using streptozotocin-treated diabetic rats demonstrated a significant decrease in blood glucose compared to vehicle-treated animals 24h post-injection, persisting through 336h following subcutaneous administration. In streptozotocin-treated rats, BIF reached T_max at 48h and possessed a clearance rate of ~0.85 mL/hr/kg, with a t_1/2 of ~120h following subcutaneous administration. These results demonstrate BIF has an in vitro pharmacological profile similar to native insulin, with significantly reduced potency and an extended time-action profile in vivo that supports QW dosing in humans. Significance Statement BIF is a novel basal insulin Fc-fusion protein designed for once-weekly dosing. In this study we demonstrate that BIF has an in vitro pharmacological profile similar to human insulin, but with weaker potency across assays for IR binding and activity. BIF has a PD and PK profile in STZ-treated rats supportive of weekly dosing in humans.

Investigating Temporal Patterns of Glycemic Control around Holidays

Maintaining good glycemic control is a central part of diabetes care. However, it can be a tedious task because many factors in daily living can affect glycemic control. To support management, a growing number of people living with diabetes are now being prescribed continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for real-time tracking of their blood glucose levels. However, routine use of CGMs is also an invaluable source of patient-generated data for individual and population-level studies. Prior research has shown that festive periods such as holidays can be a notable contributor to overeating and weight gain. Thus, in this work, we sought to investigate patterns of glycemic control around the holidays, particularly Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year, by using 3-months of CGM data from 14 patients with Type 1 Diabetes. We leveraged clinically validated metrics for quantifying glycemic control from CGM data and well-established statistical tests to compare diabetes management on holiday weeks versus non-holiday weeks. Based on our analysis, we found that 86% of subjects (12 out of 14) had worse glycemic control (i.e., more ad-verse glycemic events) during holiday weeks compared to non-holiday weeks. This general trend was prevalent amongst most subjects, however, we also observed unique individual patterns of glycemic control. Our findings provide a basis for further research on temporal patterns in diabetes management and data-driven interventions to support patients and caregivers with maintaining good glycemic control all year round.

Use of Personal Continuous Glucose Monitoring Device Is Associated With Reduced Risk of Hypoglycemia in a 16-Week Clinical Trial of People With Type 1 Diabetes Using Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion

AIMS

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has the potential to promote diabetes self-management at home with a better glycemic control as outcome. Investigation of the effect of CGM has typically been carried out based on randomized controlled trials with prespecified CGM devices on CGM-naïve participants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect on glycemic control in people using their personal CGM before and during the trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from the Onset 5 trial of 472 people with type 1 diabetes using either their personal CGM (n = 117) or no CGM (n = 355) and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in a 16-week treatment period were extracted. Change from baseline in glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA_1c), number of hypoglycemic episodes, and CGM metrics at the end of treatment were analyzed with analysis of variance repeated-measures models.

RESULTS

Use of personal CGM compared with no CGM was associated with a reduction in risk of documented symptomatic hypoglycemia (event rate ratio: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.69-0.97) and asymptomatic hypoglycemia (event rate ratio: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.53-0.97), reduced time spent in hypoglycemia (P = .0070), and less glycemic variability (P = .0043) without a statistically significant increase in HbA_1c (P = .2028).

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that use of personal CGM compared with no CGM in a population of type 1 diabetes is associated with a safer glycemic control without a statistically significantly deteriorated effect on HbA_1c, which adds to the evidence about the real-world use of CGM, where device type is not prespecified, and users are not CGM naïve.

Healthcare Professionals' Views of Factors Influencing Diabetes Self-Management and the Utility of a mHealth Application and Its Features to Support Self-Care

INTRODUCTION

The perspectives of healthcare professionals (HCPs) are pivotal to co-development of self-management strategies for patients with diabetes. However, literature has been largely limited to perspectives of patients within the context of a Western healthcare setting. This study aims to explore factors influencing diabetes self-management in adult patients with diabetes from the perspectives of HCPs and their views of the value of mHealth application for diabetes self-management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted focus group discussions (FGD) with purposively selected HCPs in Singapore. All FGDs were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo 12.

RESULTS

A total of 56 HCPs participated in the study. Barriers to self-management included limited patient commitment to lifestyle changes, suboptimal adherence to medication and treatment, patient resistance to insulin initiation and insufficient rapport between patients and HCPs. Patients' perceived susceptibility to complications, social support from family and community, multidisciplinary team care and patient's understanding of the benefits of self-care were viewed as facilitating self-management. HCPs saw mHealth apps as a vital opportunity to engage patients in the self-management of conditions and empower them to foster behavior changes. Yet, there were concerns regarding patient's limited digital literacy, lack of integration into routine electronic system and reluctance.

DISCUSSION

We identified a set of factors influencing self-management in adult patients with diabetes and useful app features that can empower patients to manage their conditions. Findings will inform the development of a mHealth application, and its features designed to improve self-care.

Diabetes Care Provider Perceptions Regarding Emerging Adults' Diabetes Self-Management Influences and Patient-Provider Visit Interactions Within a Safety-Net Hospital

The increasing number of emerging adults with diabetes (EAWD) being cared for in adult health care settings requires a better understanding of the needs of EAWD and their interactions with adult health care providers (HCPs). This article describes findings from interviews with endocrinologists and diabetes nurses from a safety-net health care system to investigate HCPs' perspectives regarding influences on EAWD self-management and HCP interactions with EAWD. HCPs frequently perceived lower EAWD engagement in diabetes management, which was complicated by barriers such as the emotional burden of diabetes, busy lives and multiple responsibilities, and limited access to resources; however, HCPs valued the role of information and communication at visits in tailoring care for EAWD. Measures to tailor care should address the psychosocial burden related to the life stage goals and priorities of EAWD, identification of resources for EAWD and HCPs, and further elucidation of effective self-management guidance and communication strategies to support EAWD in safety-net settings.

Who Needs Diabetes Education? A Qualitative Analysis of Emerging Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to explore the diabetes self-management education (DSME) needs of emerging adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) because addressing these needs may facilitate optimal glycemic management during this challenging transitional period.

METHODS

A hybrid qualitative design was utilized. Emerging adults and parents of emerging adults were recruited from endocrinology and primary care clinics and through a Utah-specific T1DM online community. Interviews were conducted to asses needs to achieve target A1C. Data were interpreted thematically.

RESULTS

Emerging adults with T1DM (N = 33) and parents of emerging adults with T1DM (N = 17) were interviewed. Three main themes emerged: (1) mixed desire for personal DSME; (2) I don't need the education, others do; and (3) health care provider (HCP) attributes that make a difference. Associated subthemes were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Emerging adults reported that further education for themselves was not needed, although newly diagnosed individuals would benefit from increased training in diabetes management. Although many emerging adults had a supportive social network, they endorsed the need for greater public education to avoid diabetes misinformation. Emerging adults felt more connected with HCPs that had diabetes-specific training (ie, endocrinologist) or those who personally live with T1DM.

Competing Demands of Young Adulthood and Diabetes: A Discussion of Major Life Changes and Strategies for Health Care Providers to Promote Successful Balance

Young adults (YAs) are often faced with many new transitions and major milestones specific to their life stage. For YAs with diabetes, it can be particularly difficult to balance diabetes management with the age-typical demands of young adulthood. Clinicians can play an important role in helping YAs navigate major life changes and find balance in the competing demands of young adulthood, while protecting their health and well-being.

Diabetes distress and glycaemic control in young adults with type 1 diabetes: Associations by use of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors

AIMS

We determined whether high diabetes distress (DD) in young adults with type 1 diabetes was associated with higher glycated haemoglobin (HbA_1c ) levels and whether this association was similar among those who were and were not using diabetes devices (insulin pumps and/or continuous glucose monitors [CGMs]).

METHODS

In 2017, an online survey was completed by 423 of 743 (57%) young adults (19-31 years) with type 1 diabetes receiving care at a specialty clinic in New York City. HbA_1c level was the primary outcome measure, and high DD (Diabetes Distress Scale score ≥3) was the primary exposure. Associations were adjusted for sociodemographic covariates.

RESULTS

Of the 419 respondents with complete DD data, 59% were female and 69% were non-Hispanic white. Both devices (pump and CGM) were used by 35%, either device by 42% and neither device by 24%. The mean (SD) HbA_1c was 64 (19) mmol/mol (8.0 [1.7] %) and 24% had high DD. The adjusted mean (95% confidence interval) HbA_1c was 10 (6, 14) mmol/mol (0.9 [0.5, 1.2] %) greater in those with high DD than in those without it. This HbA_1c difference associated with high DD was similar regardless of device use: 9 (3, 15) mmol/mol (0.8 [0.3, 1.4] %) greater among those using both devices; and 9 (-0.9, 18) mmol/mol (0.8 [-0.1, 1.7] %) greater among those using neither device.

CONCLUSIONS

High DD in young adults requires more attention because it is associated with higher HbA_1c levels, even among those using insulin pumps and CGMs.

A Delphi Study on the Healthcare Needs of Patients with Type 1 Diabetes during the Transition from Adolescence to Adulthood: Consensus among Patients, Primary Caregivers, and Healthcare Providers

Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus at the age of 16-25 face the challenges of the deterioration of disease control and accelerated exacerbation. Providing interventions that meet patient's healthcare needs can reduce the impact and improve health outcome. The purpose of this study was to identify the healthcare needs of patients with type 1 diabetes during the adolescence to adulthood transition period from the perspectives of patients, parents and healthcare providers. A two-round Delphi study was conducted among 48 participants, and included 17 patients, 16 primary caregivers, and 15 healthcare providers. The central tendency and dispersion were computed to establish a consensus. Seventy-one healthcare needs were identified across five dimensions-technology, external support, internal support, management, and healthcare-and 56 were considered as important healthcare needs and with a moderate to high level of agreement. Meanwhile, patients, primary caregivers, and healthcare providers were found to display significantly different opinions (p < 0.05) for 23 healthcare needs. This study concluded the consensus of the healthcare needs of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus during the adolescence to adulthood transition period from a systematic investigation. The findings can serve as reference for developing transitional intervention strategies.

Formative research to develop diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) program for adults with Type 1 Diabetes

BACKGROUND AND AIM

There is a lack of data on effectiveness of diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) programs for South Asian adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). This formative research was conducted to explore existing practices on the said subject and gather information for planning an intervention program.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with endocrinologists, dieticians, diabetes educators and adults with T1DM. The participants were selected from a mix of public and private health facilities. Thematic analysis using inductive and deductive approach was undertaken. The intervention was developed and refined using the principles of FUSED and COM-B models.

RESULTS

In total, 28 in-depth interviews were conducted, 18 with health care professionals and 10 with adult individuals with T1DM. The results demonstrated deficiencies in the implementation of a structured self-management program for diabetes owing to several patient and healthcare system-related factors. A detailed nutritional counseling was provided at all sites by a qualified dietitian, however, carbohydrate counting was not routinely practiced. The interviews of this formative research revolved around: (a) evaluation of the existing usual care and gaps in implementation of a structured DSMES program, and (b) development of themes that will help in formulation of an intervention package and its effective delivery to the participants.

CONCLUSION

This research study comprehensively investigated the existing practices among diabetes-health care professionals caring for persons living with T1DM and rendered insights towards development of a scientific DSMES program.

Young adults with type 1 diabetes and their experiences with diabetes follow-up and participation in the DiaPROM pilot trial: A qualitative study

AIM

To explore young adults' experiences of outpatient follow-up appointments, completing electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), and using the Problem Areas In Diabetes (PAID) scale during the Diabetes Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (DiaPROM) pilot trial.

METHODS

We performed a qualitative study among 19 young adults (aged 22-39 years) with type 1 diabetes who participated in the pilot trial. Between February and June 2019, we conducted individual, semi-structured telephone interviews with participants from the intervention and control arms. We analysed the data using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Our analyses generated three themes, each with two subthemes: (1) Follow-up with limitations; (i) Marginal dialogue about everyday challenges, (ii) Value of supportive relationships and continuity, indicate that previous follow-up had been experienced as challenging and insufficient. (2) New insights and raised awareness; (i) More life-oriented insights, (ii) Moving out of the comfort zone, suggest mostly positive experiences with completing questionnaires and discussing the PAID scores. (3) Addressing problem areas with an open mind; (i) Need for elaboration, (ii) Preparedness for dialogue, indicate that both openness and explanations were vital in the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants characterised the previous follow-up as challenging and insufficient. They described completing and using the PAID as somewhat uncomfortable yet worthwhile. Our findings also suggest that by utilising diabetes distress data alongside health and biomedical outcomes, consultations became more attuned to the young adults' wishes and needs, mainly because the dialogue was more focused and direct. Hence, the PAID has the potential to facilitate person-centredness and improve patient-provider relationships.

Type 1 diabetes self-management behaviors among emerging adults: Racial/ethnic differences

BACKGROUND

Emerging adulthood is a vulnerable period for poor blood glucose control and self-management behaviors (SMBs) among individuals with type 1 diabetes. Racial/ethnic minority young adults have poorer glycemic outcomes than non-Hispanic whites; however, little is known about possible racial/ethnic differences in frequency of SMBs among emerging adults (EAs).

OBJECTIVE

To examine racial/ethnic differences in SMBs and to determine associations between SMBs and blood glucose control.

METHODS

A sample of EAs (ages 18-25 years; N = 3456) from the type 1 diabetes exchange registry was used to conduct multivariate analyses to examine (a) racial/ethnic differences in SMBs and (b) associations between SMBs and blood glucose control for each racial/ethnic group.

RESULTS

Compared to non-Hispanic whites, African Americans and Hispanics less frequently took an insulin bolus for snacks, less frequently checked blood glucose with a meter, and were more likely to not use insulin to carbohydrate ratios. African Americans also less frequently checked blood glucose prior to mealtime boluses and more frequently missed insulin doses. SMBs that were associated with blood glucose control across groups were frequency of checking blood glucose at mealtime, missing an insulin dose, and checking blood glucose with a meter.

CONCLUSIONS

Promoting two SMBs: checking blood glucose and taking insulin doses as needed among African American EAs may be important to address racial disparities in glycemic outcomes. Future research should evaluate possible social and contextual mechanisms contributing to low engagement in these behaviors among African Americans to inform strategies to address racial differences in glycemic outcomes.

How Do the Challenges of Emerging Adulthood Inform our Understanding of Diabetes Distress? An Integrative Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Emerging adulthood (ages 18-29) presents many emotional, social, and developmental challenges that can contribute to an increased sense of burden when managing type 1 diabetes (T1D). Diabetes distress (DD) is the concept that captures the emotional burden, frustrations, and worries resulting from living with T1D. This integrative review sets out to examine the impact of developmental context by answering this question: How do the challenges of emerging adulthood inform our understanding of DD?

RECENT FINDINGS

DD is highly prevalent in emerging adults and occurs at higher rates than in other age groups. Qualitative studies reveal that DD is embedded within the developmental challenges specific to living with T1D during this stage. Quantitative studies reveal the prevalence and correlates of DD in this age group, and qualitative studies augment these findings by capturing the scope and complexity of the emotional burden of living with T1D as an emerging adult.