Diabetes resilience: a model of risk and protection in type 1 diabetes

A Conceptual Model for Understanding the Division and Transfer of Diabetes Care Responsibilities Between Parents and Children with Type 1 Diabetes

Background/Objectives: For families with a child with type 1 diabetes, it is often complex and challenging to decide how responsibilities for diabetes care should be divided between parents and children, and how and when these responsibilities should be transferred from parent to child. A smooth transfer of responsibilities is assumed to be key for optimal diabetes outcomes and a successful shift from paediatric to adult health care. However, a theoretical framework to conceptualise the division and transfer of diabetes care responsibilities that brings together the scattered literature regarding these topics is still lacking. Methods: This narrative review synthesises insights from (a) prior quantitative and qualitative studies in the context of paediatric diabetes care, (b) prior reviews regarding the transfer of treatment responsibilities for families of children with a chronic condition, and (c) existing theoretical models in paediatrics, child development and parenting. Results: The division of responsibilities appears to be affected by a complex interaction between child, parent and context characteristics. These factors seem to change the division of diabetes care responsibilities by affecting (1) child/parental readiness to assume responsibility, (2) the alignment between the child's and the parent's readiness and (3) context support and demands. The "success" of the division and transfer of diabetes care responsibilities can be defined by biomedical, emotional, behavioural and parent-child interaction outcomes. Conclusions: The presented conceptual framework can guide research and clinical practice in studying and evaluating the division and transfer of diabetes care responsibilities.

Identity and bodily experiences in emerging adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D): a qualitative exploration

OBJECTIVE

Much remains unknown about how type 1 diabetes (T1D) affects one's identity and bodily experiences in emerging adults. Two relevant frameworks have been introduced in this respect, namely the illness identity (e.g. Oris et al.) and the experience of embodiment framework (e.g. Piran). Guided by these theoretical perspectives, this qualitative study explores identity and bodily experiences of emerging adults living with T1D.

METHODS

A total of 149 participants wrote a narrative about what it means to them to have T1D and how it may have affected their sense of self and bodily experiences. Data were analysed using template analysis.

RESULTS

Analysis generated two main themes regarding identity: illness identity and feeling different. Five main themes emerged regarding bodily experiences: body connection, body discomfort, restricted agency and functionality, attuned diabetes care, and body objectification. In addition, social support, benefit finding, openness to others, perceived stigma, and visibility of diabetes emerged as significant related themes.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the specific challenges that emerging adults with T1D may face in harmonising their identity and bodily experiences with their diabetes. Clinicians should recognise these challenges in providing holistic care.

Development, validation, and item bias assessment of the Self-Care Inventory-Short-Form among racially and income-diverse adolescents living with type 1 diabetes and their caregivers

OBJECTIVE

Youth with type 1 diabetes and their families engage in complex health behaviors to help manage blood glucose levels and to reduce the risk of serious health complications. Given well-documented health disparities in pediatric diabetes, rapid and equitable assessment of diabetes self-care can help identify potential areas where support is needed. This purpose of this study was to (a) develop a short-form of the Self-Care Inventory-Revised (SCI-R) and (b) evaluate validity, reliability, and differential item functioning (DIF) across several socio-illness-demographic variables of the full and short-form SCI-R.

METHODS

Participants were 181 adolescent-caregiver dyads from the Predicting Resiliency in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes (PRYDE) study who completed a 15-item version of the SCI-R. Adolescents (age: M = 14.64, SD =1.70, range 12-18 years), identifying as female (n = 92), male (n = 92), Black/AA (57%), and/or White (43%), also completed diabetes-specific measures of stress and Health-related Quality of Life (T1D-HRQoL). Youths' most recent hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values were extracted from their medical records.

RESULTS

Initial items selected based on the six highest factor loadings of 15 were evaluated using DIF analyses. The final 6-item youth and caregiver SCI-SF6 totals correlated with HbA1c, stress, and T1D-HRQoL. They were invariant across participant dyads at the scalar level (root mean squared error of approximation =.077, 90% CI: .056-.098; comparative fit index =.971, standardized root mean square residual = .0490). DIF analyses failed to reject the null hypothesis for item bias factor loadings or item thresholds across age, family income, HbA1c, racial category, gender, and illness duration.

CONCLUSIONS

The results support initial evidence of equitable assessment, measurement invariance, validity, and reliability for SCI-SF6 across important socio-illness-demographic variables.

Pre-Type 1 Diabetes in Adolescents and Teens: Screening, Nutritional Interventions, Beta-Cell Preservation, and Psychosocial Impacts

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is a progressive autoimmune disease often identified in childhood or adolescence, with early stages detectable through pre-diabetic markers such as autoantibodies and subclinical beta-cell dysfunction. The identification of the pre-T1D stage is critical for preventing complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, and for enabling timely interventions that may alter disease progression. This review examines the multifaceted approach to managing T1D risk in adolescents and teens, emphasizing early detection, nutritional interventions, beta-cell preservation strategies, and psychosocial support. Screening for T1D-associated autoantibodies offers predictive insight into disease risk, particularly when combined with education and family resources that promote lifestyle adjustments. Although nutritional interventions alone are not capable of preventing T1D, certain lifestyle interventions, such as weight management and specific nutritional choices, have shown the potential to preserve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and mitigate metabolic strain. Pharmacological strategies, including immune-modulating drugs like teplizumab, alongside emerging regenerative and cell-based therapies, offer the potential to delay disease onset by protecting beta-cell function. The social and psychological impacts of a T1D risk diagnosis are also significant, affecting adolescents' quality of life, family dynamics, and mental health. Supportive interventions, including counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and group support, are recommended for managing the emotional burden of pre-diabetes. Future directions call for integrating universal or targeted screening programs within schools or primary care, advancing research into nutrition and psychosocial support, and promoting policies that enhance access to preventive resources. Advocacy for the insurance coverage of screening, nutritional counseling, and mental health services is also crucial to support families in managing T1D risk. By addressing these areas, healthcare systems can promote early intervention, improve beta-cell preservation, and support the overall well-being of adolescents at risk of T1D.

The association of resilience with HbA1c and key psychosocial factors in emerging adults with type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Emerging adults (EAs) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have difficulty meeting glycemic targets and have a high prevalence of mental health comorbidities. Resilience, the ability to harness resources needed to sustain one's emotional and physical well-being, may be a key factor impacting poor mental health and glycemic outcomes. We aimed to (a) evaluate the association between resilience, HbA1c, and key psychosocial factors and (b) explore whether resilience moderates the relationship between psychosocial factors (depression, diabetes-related distress, anxiety) and HbA1c in EAs with T1D.

METHOD

EAs with T1D (N = 233) (mean age = 19.9 years (SD = 1.6), range 16.8-24.7) seen at an EA-specific diabetes clinic completed resilience, diabetes-related distress, depression, and anxiety measures and had their HbA1c level evaluated. We used linear regression models and conducted moderation analyses for the resilience factor.

RESULTS

Resilience was strongly associated with HbA1c, depression, diabetes-related distress, and anxiety in EAs with T1D. We did not find evidence that resilience moderates the relationship between depression, anxiety, or diabetes-related distress and HbA1c.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that resilience is a highly relevant psychological factor associated with HbA1c and a key mental health factor for EAs with T1D. Novel interventions are needed to ameliorate high diabetes-related distress and HbA1c, and bolstering resilience may be one avenue to explore. Future research on resilience should longitudinally characterize and evaluate whether resilience may be a mechanism underlying the relationship between poor psychosocial outcomes and not meeting glycemic targets in EAs with T1D.

DiaBetter Together: Clinical trial protocol for a strengths-based Peer Mentor intervention for young adults with type 1 diabetes transitioning to adult care

BACKGROUND

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) management is challenging for young adults, who are expected to transfer from the pediatric to adult T1D healthcare system while also managing typical developmental demands (e.g., social, financial, work/school, residential). Many young adults have extended gaps in care before following up in adult care, increasing risk for poor health outcomes. There are few evidence-based programs to support young adults with T1D to promote a timelier transition during this period. This paper reports on the design of DiaBetter Together, a randomized controlled trial to evaluate a 12-month Peer Mentor-delivered intervention compared to usual care among young adults with T1D during the transfer from pediatric to adult care.

METHODS

One-hundred young adults (age 17-25) with T1D and 29 Peer Mentors enrolled in this randomized clinical trial. Peer Mentors are experienced, older young adults with T1D, trained by the study team to share transition experiences and strategies to successfully navigate the adult healthcare system, help young adults prepare for the first adult care visit, and use strengths-based support strategies to teach and model skills for managing T1D-related challenges.

RESULTS

The primary outcome of the trial is HbA1c, and secondary outcomes include time to adult care, engagement in diabetes self-management behaviors, and psychosocial well-being.

CONCLUSION

The goal of this research is to evaluate a developmentally appropriate, supportive intervention that can improve T1D self-management and successful transfer of care during the difficult young adult years and promote optimal T1D health outcomes.

Delivering a Smartphone Serious Game-Based Intervention to Promote Resilience for Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes: A Feasibility Study

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study is to test the feasibility of a smartphone serious game-based intervention to promote resilience for adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

METHOD

A two-arm feasibility study was employed. Adolescents with T1DM were recruited. Adolescents in intervention group completed the serious game (named "WeCan") in one month. We evaluated feasibility and acceptability using criteria such as the recruitment response rate, the follow-up response rate, and satisfaction.

RESULTS

Sixty-one adolescents with T1DM were included in this study. The study had a recruitment response rate of 62.89% (61/97) and an intervention completion rate of 64.52% (20/31). Eighty-two percent of the adolescents were satisfied with WeCan, which they perceived to have the advantages of being a lively format, attractive, and privacy, easy to operate, and improved attitude towards diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that WeCan demonstrated good feasibility among the target population. However, the efficacy of health-related outcomes needs to be clarified in future studies.

Effects of nurse-led intervention programs based on King's theory of goal attainment on health-promoting behaviors and life satisfaction in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes being a chronic condition that requires long-term care. This study examined the impact of an educational program using King's goal attainment model on health behaviors and life satisfaction in type 2 diabetes patients.

METHODS

This is a randomized controlled clinical trial with no blinding in which we tested two groups of intervention control. 70 patients with type 2 diabetes were allocated to an intervention (N = 35) and a control group randomly (N = 35). The nursing process stages included examination, diagnosis, goal determination, transaction based on patient preferences, and evaluation based on King's theory. Data was gathered using the Walker Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS, before, after, and 3 months, post-intervention. Data were analyzed in SPSS25 through descriptive statistics, Chi-square Test, Independent and paired sample T-test, two-way ANOVA, and multivariate repeated measures ANCOVA. P-values < 0.05 were considered as the level of significance.

RESULTS

In the intervention group, there was a significant difference in the mean score of health-promoting behaviors and life satisfaction between the three time points (before, immediately after, and 3 months after). However, in the control group, there was no significant difference in the mean score of health-promoting behaviors and life satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that an educational program based on King's goal attainment model can be effective in improving health-promoting behaviors and life satisfaction in patients with type 2 diabetes. Further studies are recommended to be conducted in different settings and with a longer follow-up period.

IRANIAN REGISTRY OF CLINICAL TRIALS

IRCT registration number: IRCT20190917044802N8.

REGISTRATION DATE

16/12/2022.

Resilience in adolescents with type 1 diabetes: An integrative review

PROBLEM

Despite advances in diabetes technology, many adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) cannot achieve target metabolic control. Resilience is associated with better outcomes in diabetes care. The aim of this review is to synthesize studies on resilience in adolescents with T1D, particularly how the concept of resilience has been explored.

METHODS

This integrative review was carried out according to Whittemore and Knafl's framework. A systematic search was conducted in the CINAHL, PubMed/Medline and PsycInfo databases. Eligibility criteria included studies on resilience in adolescents with T1D, aged 13 to 18 years, that were published in English in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess study quality.

RESULTS

The review included twenty-four studies. Resilience was defined as the ability or capacity, or the process, to maintain physical and psychological well-being despite exposure to significant stressors or distress events. Diabetes resilience was defined as achieving positive psychosocial and health outcomes despite the challenges of living with T1D. Studies were quantitative (n = 21), qualitative (n = 1) and mixed methods (n = 2). Six resilience instruments were found. The DSTAR-Teen was the most used and the only instrument for adolescents with T1D.

CONCLUSIONS

This review highlighted the need for an explicit definition of the concept of resilience because previous studies used different definitions or lacked a definition. In the future, a more precise concept analysis of resilience in adolescents with T1D is warranted.

IMPLICATIONS

The DSTAR-Teen is a promising resilience measure with good psychometric properties for further studies in adolescents with T1D.

Promoting Resilience in Stress Management for Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) requires demanding self-management health behaviors, and adolescents with T1D are at risk for poor psychosocial and medical outcomes. Developing resilience skills may help adolescents with T1D and elevated distress navigate common stressors and achieve positive outcomes.

Objective

To test the efficacy of the Promoting Resilience in Stress Management (PRISM) intervention on levels of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), diabetes distress, self-management behaviors, resilience, and quality of life among adolescents.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This phase 3, parallel, 1:1 randomized clinical trial that followed up 172 participants for 12 months was conducted from January 1, 2020, to November 30, 2022, at each of 2 children's hospitals, in Seattle, Washington, and Houston, Texas. Participants were ages 13 to 18 years with T1D for at least 12 months and elevated diabetes distress.

Intervention

PRISM, a manualized, skills-based, individual intervention program that teaches stress management, goal setting, reframing, and meaning-making, facilitated by a coach and accompanied by a digital app, was delivered in three 30- to 60-minute sessions approximately 2 weeks apart.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The 2 primary outcomes, diabetes distress and HbA1c levels, and 3 secondary outcomes, resilience, quality of life, and engagement in self-management behaviors, were assessed at baseline and 6 and 12 months after baseline. Linear mixed-effects regression models were used to evaluate associations between PRISM or usual care (UC) and these outcomes at both time points for the intention-to-treat population.

Results

Among 172 adolescents (mean [SD] age, 15.7 [1.6] years), 96 were female (56%), and their baseline mean (SD) HbA1c level was 8.7% (2.0%). No differences were evident between PRISM and UC recipients in HbA1c levels (β, -0.21 [95% CI, -0.65 to 0.22]; P = .33) or diabetes distress (β, -2.71 [95% CI, -6.31 to 0.90]; P = .14) or any participant-reported outcome (eg, β, 2.25 [95% CI, -0.30 to 4.80]; P = .08 for self-management behaviors) at 6 months. At 12 months, there was no statistically significant difference between arms in HbA1c levels (β, -0.26 [95% CI, -0.72 to 0.19]; P = .25); however, PRISM recipients reported significantly greater amelioration of diabetes distress (β, -4.59 [95% CI, -8.25 to -0.94]; P = .01) and improvement in self-management behaviors (β, 3.4 [95% CI, 0.9 to 5.9]; P = .01) compared with UC recipients.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings in this randomized clinical trial of psychosocial and behavioral improvements associated with PRISM at 12 months illustrate the value of a strengths-based intervention. Integrating resilience skills-building with traditional diabetes care may be a promising approach for improving outcomes among adolescents with T1D and elevated diabetes distress.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT03847194.

The Protective Role of Self-Regulation for HRQOL of Adolescents with a Chronic Physical Health Condition

The Protective Role of Self-Regulation for HRQOL of Adolescents with a Chronic Physical Health Condition A physical chronic condition comes with many challenges and negatively impacts the healthrelated quality of life (HRQOL) of those affected. Self-regulation plays an important role in successfully coping with the demands of a chronic condition. In line with a resource-oriented approach, this study aimed to investigate themoderating effect of self-regulation on the relationship between disease severity andHRQOL. For this, 498 adolescents with cystic fibrosis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or type-1 diabetes aged of 12-21 years (M= 15.43, SD= 2.07) were recruited through three patient registers. Subjective disease severity, self-regulation (Brief Self-Control- Scale), andHRQOL (DISABKIDSChronicGenericMeasure)were examined at two time points (T₁ and T₂, one year apart). Cross-sectional analysis showed significant effects of subjective disease severity and self-regulation on HRQOL. Prospective analysis, in which HRQOL at T₁ was controlled for, revealed that disease severity only predicted emotion-related HRQOL at T₂; selfregulation emerged as a predictor for HRQOL subscales independence, emotion, inclusion, exclusion, and treatment. A significantmoderation effect of self-regulation was found on the relationship between disease severity and HRQOL emotion. Our results highlight the positive impact of self-regulation on quality of life, specifically in the context of chronic conditions and represent a starting point for prevention and intervention approaches.

Patient-Centered Positive Factors Influencing Glycemic Control in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in China: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Study

Objective

This study aimed to explore the stable longitudinal patient-centered self-protective factors of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Methods

We used both cross-sectional and longitudinal datasets at the Diabetes Education Center and National Endocrine and Metabolism Centre of a university hospital in China from April 2020 to July 2022. Participants were assessed using the Adolescent Diabetic Behavior Rating Scale (DBRS), Diabetes Strengths and Resilience Measure for Adolescents (DSTAR-Teen). HbA1c and other clinical variables were obtained from the medical record at the same time. 266 adolescents (131 male, age 14.1±3.9 years) completed the cross-sectional assessments and 131 (62 male, age 14.6±3.3 years) participated in a follow-up at a 1-year visit interval.

Results

Logistic regression analysis of cross-sectional data of 266 cases showed that there were significant positive effects between pump treatment (β=0.090, OR 2.460, P=0.005), DBRS scores (β=2.593, OR 13.366, P=0.002) and the meeting of standard HbA1c (<7.5%, 58 mmol/mol). Disease duration (β=-0.071, OR 0.932, P=0.033) was negatively correlated with it. The longitudinal multivariate generalized estimation equation model showed that DBRS scores (β=3.165, OR 23.681, P=0.009) and DSTAR-Teen scores (β=0.050, OR 1.051, P=0.012) had a positive influence on the meeting of standard HbA1c over one year time of 131 cases.

Conclusion

Self-care and resilience had higher cross-temporal stability in influencing glycemic control over time. To reach a better glycemic control and improve long-term health outcomes, attention should be paid to the detection and enhancement of these patient-centered promoters.

Psychosocial Care for Youth with Type 1 Diabetes: Summary of Reviews to Inform Clinical Practice

The intensive demands of diabetes care can be difficult for youth with type 1 diabetes and their families to integrate into daily life. Standards of care in pediatric diabetes highlight the importance of evidence-based psychosocial interventions to optimize self-management behaviors and psychological well-being. The current review summarizes select systematic reviews and meta-analyses on evidence-based behavioral health interventions in pediatric diabetes. Interventions include strategies to strengthen youth psychosocial skills, improve family dynamics and caregiver mental health, enhance health and mental health equity, and address psychosocial factors related to diabetes technology use.

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.

Comparing youth with and without type 1 diabetes on perceived parenting and peer functioning: a propensity weighting approach

The premise of this study was to gain more insight into whether type 1 diabetes (T1D) can impact how youth perceive parents and peers. To address limitations of previous observational studies comparing youth with T1D to control youth, propensity weighting was used to mimic a randomized controlled trial. A total of 558 youth with T1D and 426 control youth (14-26y) completed questionnaires on parental responsiveness, psychological control, overprotection, friend support, extreme peer orientation, and a host of background and psychological functioning variables. The groups were statistically weighted to become as comparable as possible except for disease status. The analysis plan and hypotheses were preregistered on the open science framework. Youth with T1D perceived their mothers to be more overprotective, perceived fewer friend support, and were less extremely oriented toward peers than control youth. There were no group differences for paternal overprotection and paternal and maternal responsiveness and psychological control. Mothers of youth with T1D seem at risk to practice overprotective parenting and clinicians could play an important role in making mothers aware of this risk. However, the absence of group differences for the maladaptive parenting dimension of psychological control and adaptive dimension of responsiveness are reassuring and testify to the resilient nature of youth with T1D and their families. Additionally, there is accumulating evidence that T1D could interfere with engaging in supportive friendships.

Racial Residential Segregation and the Health of Black Youth With Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVES

Black youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at heightened risk for suboptimal glycemic control. Studies of neighborhood effects on the health of youth with T1D are limited. The current study investigated the effects of racial residential segregation on the diabetes health of young Black adolescents with T1D.

METHODS

A total of 148 participants were recruited from 7 pediatric diabetes clinics in 2 US cities. Racial residential segregation (RRS) was calculated at the census block group level based on US Census data. Diabetes management was measured via self-report questionnaire. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) information was gathered from participants during home-based data collection. Hierarchical linear regression was used to test the effects of RRS while controlling for family income, youth age, insulin delivery method (insulin pump versus syringe therapy), and neighborhood adversity.

RESULTS

HbA1c was significantly associated with RRS in bivariate analyses, whereas youth-reported diabetes management was not. In hierarchical regression analyses, whereas family income, age, and insulin delivery method were all significantly associated with HbA1c in model 1, only RRS, age, and insulin delivery method were significantly associated with HbA1c in model 2. Model 2 explained 25% of the variance in HbA1c (P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

RRS was associated with glycemic control in a sample of Black youth with T1D and accounted for variance in HbA1c even after controlling for adverse neighborhood conditions. Policies to reduce residential segregation, along with improved screening for neighborhood-level risk, hold the potential to improve the health of a vulnerable population of youth.

Effectiveness of resilience-promoting interventions in adolescents with diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of resilience-promoting interventions among adolescents and youth aged 10-24 years with any type of diabetes.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed using the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases from inception to May 25, 2022. The Cochrane risk of bias tool (version 2) was used to assess the quality of the included studies. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate the pooled effects of resilience-promoting interventions.

RESULTS

Nineteen articles were included covering an overall sample of 2048 adolescents with diabetes. When analyzing the effectiveness of resilience-promoting interventions, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at six months [mean difference = - 0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) = - 0.83 to - 0.12, P = 0.009] after the intervention was improved. However, long-term (≥ 12 months) improvement in HbA1c was not significant. In addition, comparing the control group, there were significant differences in the effect size for stress [standardized mean difference (SMD) = - 0.87, 95% CI = - 1.25 to -0.48, P < 0.05], self-efficacy (SMD = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.02-0.98, P = 0.04) and quality of life (SMD = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.03-0.51, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Resilience-promoting intervention is a promising way for adolescent diabetes management to improve HbA1c, stress, self-efficacy, and quality of life. Incorporating resilience-promoting components into diabetes education and re-enforcing these contents every six months are recommended for implementation in clinical practice.

Topical Review: Youth With Type 1 Diabetes: What Is the Role of Peer Support?

The literature on the role of peer support for psychological well-being and disease management among youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is mixed. In this topical review, we use self-determination theory (SDT) as a framework to understand the conditions under which peer support is helpful or unhelpful regarding psychological well-being and diabetes management. We briefly review the literature to support our claim that existing research on peer support is inconsistent. A primary reason for the inconsistency is that previous work largely focuses on diabetes instrumental and informational support from peers, which have the potential to threaten SDT needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Instrumental and informational support may set youth with T1D apart from peers at a time when fitting in with peers is crucial. Instead, we argue that emotional support from and companionship with peers best meet the SDT need of relatedness while not posing direct threats to autonomy or competence. We also note that some youth have extremely high needs for relatedness such that they prioritize connecting with peers over diabetes management. We conclude by calling for more research to adopt a SDT theory approach to examine the role of peer support in the lives of youth with T1D and for health care professionals to expand their focus from the specifics of diabetes to the broader social context.

Implementation of Psychosocial Screening into Diabetes Clinics: Experience from the Type 1 Diabetes Exchange Quality Improvement Network

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Although advances in diabetes technology and pharmacology have significantly and positively impacted diabetes management and health outcomes for some, diabetes care remains burdensome and can be challenging to balance with other life priorities. The purpose of this article is to review the rationale for assessment of psychosocial domains in diabetes care settings and strategies for the implementation of psychosocial screening into routine practice. Survey data from the Type 1 Diabetes Exchange Quality Improvement Network is highlighted.

RECENT FINDINGS

Implementation of psychosocial screening requires identifying the population; selecting validated tools to assess target domains; determining frequency of screening and mode of survey delivery; and scoring, interpreting, documenting, and facilitating referrals such that these processes are part of clinical workflows. Recognizing the influence of psychosocial factors for people with diabetes (PWD), professional society guidelines for comprehensive diabetes care recommend the integration of psychosocial screening into routine care.

Associated factors with depression and sleep quality in T1DM patients: a cross-sectional descriptive study

BACKGROUND

Individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) may experience sleep problems, usually due to low blood sugar levels during sleep or performance of blood sugar management (e.g., blood sugar monitoring). This study aimed to identify the disease-related characteristics, psychosocial aspects, and related factors underlying sleep quality in patients with T1DM.

METHODS

This study employed a descriptive research design. The participants were 159 individuals with T1DM who completed online questionnaires. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and multiple regression analyses.

RESULTS

The average score for depression in T1DM patients was 23.77 (SD 5.31), and sleep quality received a score of 4.58 (SD 3.22). Depression was positively correlated with sleep quality and negatively correlated with the total resilience score. The factors linked to depression in T1DM patients were duration of disease, sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep disturbance, and resilience-acceptance of self and life sub-factors, with an explanatory power of 44.4% for the depression variance. The associated factors with sleep quality in T1DM patients were complications, resilience-personal competence sub-factors, and depression, with an explanatory power of 37.4% for sleep quality variance.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that to improve sleep quality in patients with T1DM, it is necessary to develop and support disease management to prevent complications and implement interventions for improving resilience and reducing negative emotions such as depression.

Protocol for the Promoting Resilience in Stress Management (PRISM) intervention: A multi-site randomized controlled trial for adolescents with type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at high risk for elevated diabetes distress, which greatly impacts diabetes management, glycemic outcomes and overall quality of life. Developing protective skills and "resilience resources" to navigate adversity and manage diabetes distress has high potential to help adolescents with T1D achieve optimal behavioral, psychological, and health outcomes. The "Promoting Resilience in Stress Management" (PRISM) program is a manualized, brief, skills-based intervention delivered over 6 months via two 45-60 min one-on-one sessions and a family meeting with a PRISM coach, and supplemented by booster calls and a digital app. This trial (PRISM versus usual care)is designed to:: (1) assess PRISM's impact on glycemic outcomes and diabetes distress among adolescents with T1D, and (2) explor PRISM's impact on resilience, self-reported adherence, and quality of life.

METHODS

We describe the protocol for a multi-site randomized controlled trial designed for adolescents ages 13-18 with elevated diabetes distress. The primary trial outcomes are glycemic outcomes and diabetes distress 6 months post-randomization. Secondary outcomes include resilience, self-reported adherence, and QOL 6 months post-randomization. Our hypothesis is that youth in the PRISM group will demonstrate better glycemic outcomes and improved diabetes distress, adherence, resilience, and QOL compared to usual care.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will provide methodologically rigorous data and evidence regarding a novel intervention to promote resilience among adolescents with T1D and elevated diabetes distress. This research has the potential to offer a practical, skills-based curriculum designed to improve outcomes for this high-risk group.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Prospectively registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03847194).

Psychosocial Assessment Tools for Youth with Type 1 Diabetes: a 10-Year Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

There is a notable lack of consistency in the measurement of psychosocial factors affecting youth with type 1 diabetes, resulting in a need for increased measurement standardization and establishment of measures tailored to capture unique experiences faced by youth. This review sought to assess 10 years of extant literature (2011 to 2020) to identify which established measurement tools are commonly used and to evaluate new measurement tools that were introduced during this period.

RECENT FINDINGS

There are a variety of psychosocial factors affecting youth, and assessment of these measures has shown substantial variability. Our review found that most frequently cited scales were those pertaining to self-efficacy, diabetes distress, family conflict, autonomy, and fear of hypoglycemia. During our review period, experts developed and validated 21 new scales, the majority of which sought to evaluate areas pertaining to diabetes distress. Of the common scales and newly developed scales identified in this review, psychometric properties showcase high reliability and validity, and items are becoming increasingly specific to youth but still lack assessment of how youth perceive technology's impact on diabetes management. The field would benefit from measures employing more nuanced age specificity and addressing technology usage.

Domesticating the condition: Design lessons gained from a marathon on how to cope with barriers imposed by type 1 diabetes

Through analytical autoethnographic analysis of marathon preparation, this study examines challenges faced by people with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) who engage in high-performance sports. Autoethnographer and second-person perspectives (T1D runners, family members, and health providers) were collected through introspective activities (autoethnographic diary and in-depth interviews) to understand the T1D runner's coping experience. Six insights involved in T1D self-management were identified and analyzed with reference to related design tools (prototyping, archetyping and journey mapping). Finally, we conclude with a discussion of how endurance physical activity (PA) such as running helps to "domesticate" T1D, a term coined to reflect the difficulties that T1D presents for PA accomplishment and how T1D runners' experiences give them an opportunity to overcome PA barriers promoting physical culture and enriching further health psychology studies.

Caregiver perspectives of dialysis initiation for children with kidney disease: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

To better support family-centered care surrounding dialysis initiation, greater understanding of caregiver experience is necessary.

METHODS

Using thematic analysis, we conducted a secondary analysis of semi-structured interview data from a qualitative study of caregivers of children receiving dialysis recruited from 3 pediatric centers. Prominent themes in caregiver experience of caring for a child initiating dialysis were identified.

RESULTS

Thirty-five caregivers participated. Three major themes emerged from qualitative analysis: (1) parenting disrupted - caregivers experienced an acute disruption in their parenting role due to the unexpected, emergent circumstances and vast information accompanying their child's diagnosis; (2) redefining parenting - caregivers sought to reestablish their innate parental role and foster their evolving medical provider role through reassurance that their child could survive, communication with the medical team, and engaging in care plan development; and (3) leveraging dual identities - to positively impact their child's experience and enable flourishing, caregivers leveraged their established caregiver role and newly realized medical provider role through voicing their perspectives, watching over their child's care, and preparing for future changes in their child's health. If caregivers' evolution was not nurtured and enabled, acute fluctuations in their child's care could contribute to future disruption and need to restore their parental role. However, if caregiver development was fostered, caregivers acquired increased ability to prepare for vacillations in their child's care.

CONCLUSIONS

Improving delivery of family-centered care and support of caregivers at dialysis initiation will require directed efforts by nephrology care teams to foster caregiver evolution and resilience and respond to the family's changing experience of kidney disease. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Psychometric Properties of the Turkish Version of the Diabetes Strengths and Resilience Measure for Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

Objective

Resilience in diabetes refers to the capacity overcome diabetes-related challenges to achieve favorable psychosocial and health outcomes. Despite the known benefits of resilience in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), there tends to be more emphasis on risk factors in research and practice. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Diabetes Strengths and Resilience Measure for Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes (DSTAR-Teen) in Turkey.

Methods

This descriptive, methodological study was conducted between October 2020 and May 2021. The Turkish DSTAR-Teen was administered to 120 adolescents with T1DM, and the data were evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, factor analyses, test-retest correlation, and item-total score correlations.

Results

The Turkish DSTAR-Teen has 12 items in two factors that explained 50.64% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed goodness-of-fit and comparative fit indices of 0.92 and 0.95, respectively. The total Cronbach’s alpha value of the scale was 0.85. Item-total score correlations ranged from 0.49 to 0.74 (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Our analyses showed that the Turkish DSTAR-Teen is a valid and reliable instrument in Turkish adolescents with T1DM. The Turkish DSTAR-Teen can be used to evaluate strengths and resilience associated with diabetes management in adolescents with T1DM in Turkey.

Self-Regulation as a Protective Factor for Diabetes Distress and Adherence in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic

OBJECTIVE

The COVID-19 pandemic increased economic, social, and health stressors for families, yet its impacts on families of youth with chronic conditions, such as type 1 diabetes (T1D), are not well understood. Self-regulation (SR)-or the capacities to control emotions, cognition, and behavior in response to challenge-is known to support T1D management and coping in the face of stress. Strong SR may have protected youth with T1D from the impacts of pandemic-related stressors. This study compared youth and parent emotional functioning and T1D management before and after the pandemic's onset in relation to family pandemic-related stress and youth SR.

METHODS

Parents of youth with T1D (N = 88) and a subset of these youth (N = 43; Mean age 15.3 years [SD 2.2]) completed surveys regarding SR, stress, emotional functioning, and T1D-related functioning prior to and after March 2020. Outcomes were compared using mixed effects models adjusting for covariates. Family pandemic-related stress experiences and youth SR were tested as moderators of change.

RESULTS

Parents' responsibility for T1D management increased across pandemic onset and their diabetes-related distress decreased. Family pandemic-related stress was associated with decreased emotional functioning over time. Youth SR, particularly emotional and behavioral aspects, predicted better emotional and T1D-related functioning.

DISCUSSION

While youth with T1D whose families experienced higher pandemic-related stress had poorer adjustment, strong emotional and behavioral SR appeared to protect against worsening youth mood and adherence across pandemic onset. Both social-contextual and individual factors are important to consider when working with families managing T1D.

Resilience and Diabetes Distress at 3 Months Following Diagnosis Predict A1C Trajectories in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes: An Argument for Early Intervention

OBJECTIVE

Youth and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at risk for poor health outcomes. Understanding if psychological factors shortly following diagnosis, such as diabetes distress and resilience, predict glycated hemoglobin (A1C) trajectories may help inform both optimal timing and content of psychosocial interventions for youth with T1D.

METHODS

Youth and adolescents (N = 34) with newly diagnosed T1D completed distress and resilience measures at baseline and 3 months following diagnosis. Using multilevel modeling, we predicted A1C trajectories up to 3 years following diagnosis.

RESULTS

We found that in separate models, higher 3-month diabetes distress and lower 3-month resilience predicted larger increases in A1C years 1-3 following diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that targeting resilience and diabetes distress within 3 months following diagnosis has implications for the yearly rate of A1C increase up to 3 years later.

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on glucemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To face the rapid spread of SARS-CoV2 coronavirus pandemic, home lockdown in Spain was decreed on 15th March 2020. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of this constraint on glycemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Observational, retrospective study in children and adolescents with T1D users of interstitial glucose monitoring systems. The following information corresponding to the last 2 weeks of lockdown was collected for subsequent comparison with data of 2 weeks prior to quarantine: daily insulin needs, mean interstitial glucose, estimated HbA1c, coefficient of variation (CV), time in range (70-180mg/dl), hypoglycemia (<70 and <54mg/dl) and hyperglycemia (>180 and> 250mg/dl), sensor use and number of blood glucose measurements. Data about meal routines, physical exercise, need for adjustments in therapy, acute complications and lockdown of caregivers were assessed via a survey.

RESULTS

80 patients were studied (mean age 12.61±3.32 years, mean time of evolution of the disease 5.85±3.92 years), 66.2% treated with an insulin pump, users of following glucose monitoring systems: Guardian 3 (65%), FreeStyle Libre (18.8%) and Dexcom G6 (16.2%). Time in range in the cohort increased significantly during confinement (72.1±10.5 vs 74.8±10.5%; P=0.011) with lower time in hypoglycemia both <70mg/dl (4.6±3.2 vs 3.2±2.7%; P<0.001) and <54mg/dl (1.2±1.6 vs 0.7±1.2%; P<0.001) and hyperglycemia >250mg/dl (4.6±3.9 vs 3.7±3.7%; P=0.038). CV also decreased (35.8±6.3 vs 33.1±6.1%; P<0.001). Patients treated with multiple doses of insulin and poorer baseline glycemic control experienced greatest improvement. Daily insulin requirements remained stable. Regular practice of physical exercise and caregivers' confinement did not have a significant impact.

CONCLUSIONS

Glycemic control in children and adolescents with T1D improved during quarantine, particularly in those with worse baseline control.

Measuring PROMIS® Emotional Distress in Early Childhood

OBJECTIVE

Create and validate developmentally sensitive parent-report measures of emotional distress for children ages 1-5 years that conceptually align with the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) pediatric measures.

METHODS

Initial items were generated based on expert and parent input regarding core components of emotional distress in early childhood and review of theoretical and empirical work in this domain. Items were psychometrically tested using data from two waves of panel surveys. Item response theory (IRT) was applied to develop item calibration parameters (Wave 1), and scores were centered on a general U.S. population sample (Wave 2). Final PROMIS early childhood (EC) instruments were compared with existing measures of related constructs to establish construct validity.

RESULTS

Experts and parents confirmed the content validity of the existing PROMIS Pediatric emotional distress domains (i.e., anger, anxiety, and depressive symptoms) as developmentally salient for young children. Existing items were adapted and expanded for early childhood by employing best practices from developmental measurement science. Item banks as well as 4- and 8-item short forms, free from differential item functioning across sex and age, were constructed for the three domains based on rigorous IRT analyses. Correlations with subscales from previously validated measures provided further evidence of construct validity.

CONCLUSIONS

The PROMIS EC Anger/Irritability, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms measures demonstrated good reliability and initial evidence of validity for use in early childhood. This is an important contribution to advancing brief, efficient measurement of emotional distress in young children, closing a developmental gap in PROMIS pediatric emotional distress assessment.

The role of protective psychological factors, self-care behaviors, and HbA1c in young adults with type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether protective psychological factors in young adults with type 1 diabetes are associated with more optimal self-care behaviors and HbA1c, and to explore possible mediators between protective psychological factors and HbA1c.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study examined the associations between protective psychological factors (optimism, positive efficacy expectancies, and self-compassion), maladaptive psychological factors (depression, anxiety, and stress), self-care behaviors, and HbA1c in 113 young adults (17-25 years) with type 1 diabetes in Auckland, New Zealand. Pearson's correlations, multiple linear regressions, and multiple mediation analyses were used to examine associations and mediators.

RESULTS

Higher positive efficacy expectancies (beliefs about coping with difficulties) were associated with more optimal HbA1c (β = -0.26, 95% CI: -1.99 to -0.45) and more optimal self-care behaviors (β = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.92) in the adjusted models. Higher levels of self-compassion were associated with more optimal self-care behaviors (β = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.43). Depression was associated with less optimal self-care behaviors (β = -0.35, 95% CI: -1.33 to -0.43) and stress was associated with less optimal HbA1c (β = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.27 to 1.21). Mediation results suggested that self-care behaviors mediated the relationship between all three of the protective psychological factors and more optimal HbA1c, and that lower stress also mediated the relationship between higher self-compassion and more optimal HbA1c.

CONCLUSIONS

This study adds to the emerging literature that protective psychological factors may play an adaptive role in improving health outcomes in young adults with type 1 diabetes. Interventions targeting protective psychological factors present a promising approach to optimizing wellbeing and self-care in youth with type 1 diabetes.

"Feeling Anxious about Catching COVID": Facilitators and Barriers of Sleep Health among Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed pervasive stress and significant disruptions in sleep health in young adults. The purpose of this study was to describe the perceived facilitators and barriers of sleep health among young adults with type 1 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-two young adults with T1D (87.5% female; mean age = 21.5, SD = 2.0) participated in an online survey between January and July 2021. Young adults between the ages of 18-25 years with T1D for at least 6 months were eligible to participate, while those who had a previous OSA diagnosis, were currently pregnant, or worked the night shift were not eligible to participate.

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive approach was used to explore the perceived facilitators and barriers to sleep among a convenience sample. Qualitative content was analyzed and coded for themes using qualitative content analysis. Responses were coded using an in vivo approach.

RESULTS

Young adults with T1D identified changes in facilitators and barriers of sufficient sleep from before the COVID-19 pandemic to during the pandemic. Three overarching barriers and facilitators were identified: (1) general, (2) diabetes-specific, and (3) COVID-19 specific.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings can inform future educational and cognitive-behavioral interventions to promote sleep health in young adults with T1D and other complex chronic conditions. When designing sleep-promoting interventions for young adults with T1D in the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic, researchers should consider T1D as well as COVID-specific barriers and facilitators.

Youth Temperament Moderates Associations Between Parental Involvement and Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes Treatment Outcome

Objective

Both youth self-regulation and quality of parental involvement have been associated with blood glucose levels (HbA1c) of youth with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). However, it is unclear whether and how youth and parental factors interact in their relation to youth HbA1c. The differential susceptibility hypothesis proposes that youth with high negative affectivity (NA) and low effortful control (EC) may be more susceptible to the deleterious impact of lower quality parenting behaviors but also reap greater benefit from higher quality parenting behaviors. This study investigated whether youth temperament would moderate the link between diabetes-specific parental assistance (e.g., checking blood sugar) or support (e.g., encouraging, praising) and HbA1c among youth with T1DM.

Methods

Primary caregivers of youth with T1DM (N = 101; M age = 12.02, SD = 2.43) completed surveys on diabetes-specific parental involvement and youth temperament. Medical information (i.e., HbA1c) was obtained from chart review.

Results

Multiple regression analyses indicated that youth NA and EC significantly interacted with parental assistance, but not support. Specifically, higher parental assistance was associated with higher HbA1c among youth with high NA or high EC. High assistance was only linked to lower HbA1c for youth with low NA.

Conclusions

Results suggest that optimal levels of parental involvement related to better T1DM outcomes depend on youth’s NA or EC. Consistent with the goodness-of-fit framework, when parenting approaches match youth’s temperament, youth with T1DM may be better able to maintain lower HbA1c. Family interventions for pediatric T1DM management may take into consideration youth temperament.

Health-related quality of life of preschool-aged children with type 1 diabetes in the context of family and maternal functioning

In this study, generic health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of young children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) was compared to healthy peers taken in consideration of family functioning and psychological well-being of mothers. A total of 113 mothers provided data (28 mothers had a preschool-aged child with T1D). There were no significant differences in background parameters of two investigated groups. No significant differences between children with and without T1D were detected either in HRQoL or in family functioning. Moreover, mothers of children with diabetes reported lower levels of resilience and more depressive symptoms than mothers of healthy peers. In the regression analysis, mothers' depressive symptoms and the family functioning significantly affected children's HRQoL regardless of the presence of diabetes. These results suggest that parents of children with T1D handle the burden of diabetes well and integrate into the daily activities of the families. Mothers experience distress, presumably because diabetes management is burdensome; however, the family can function well and the young children can live in a similar way to their healthy peers.

“It Just Kind of Feels Like a Different World Now:” Stress and Resilience for Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes in the Era of COVID-19

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a major stressor for adolescents. Given the unique implications of the pandemic for youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D), who already navigate multiple stressors as a function of their chronic condition, we aimed to describe the impact of the pandemic on adolescents with T1D and describe their coping strategies and resilience resources.

Research Method

In a 2-site (Seattle WA, Houston TX) clinical trial of a psychosocial intervention targeting stress/resilience, adolescents 13-18 years old with T1D ≥ 1 year and elevated diabetes distress were enrolled August 2020 – June 2021. Participants completed a baseline survey about the pandemic, including open-ended questions about the effects of the pandemic, what was helping them navigate, and how it impacted T1D management. Hemoglobin A1c (A1c) was extracted from clinical records. Free text responses were analyzed using an inductive content approach. Survey responses and A1c were summarized using descriptive statistics and associations were assessed by Chi-squared tests.

Results

Adolescents (n=122) were 56% female. 11% of adolescents reported diagnosis of COVID-19 and 12% had a family member/other important person die from COVID-19 complications. Adolescents described Social Relationships, Personal Health/Safety Practices, Mental Health, Family Relationships, and School to be primary areas affected by COVID-19. Helpful resources included: Learned Skills/Behaviors, Social Support/Community, and Meaning-Making/Faith. Among participants indicating that the pandemic had an impact on their T1D management (n=35), the most commonly described areas were: Food, Self-Care, Health/Safety, Diabetes Appointments, and Exercise. Compared to adolescents who reported minimal difficulty managing T1D during the pandemic (71%), those reporting moderate to extreme difficulty (29%) were more likely to have A1C ≥ 8% (80% vs. 43%, p&lt;.01).

Conclusions

Results underscore the pervasive impact of COVID-19 on teens with T1D across multiple major life domains. Their coping strategies aligned with stress, coping, and resilience theories and suggest resilient responses in the face of stress. Despite experiencing pandemic-related stressors in many areas, diabetes-related functioning was relatively protected for most teens, highlighting their diabetes-specific resilience. Discussing the pandemic impact on T1D management may be an important focus for clinicians, especially for adolescents with diabetes distress and above-target A1C.

Equity in Psychosocial Outcomes and Care for Racial and Ethnic Minorities and Socioeconomically Disadvantaged People With Diabetes

The role of social determinants of health (SDOH) in promoting equity in diabetes prevalence, incidence, and outcomes continues to be documented in the literature. Less attention has focused on disparities in psychosocial aspects of living with diabetes and the role of SDOH in promoting equity in psychosocial outcomes and care. In this review, the authors describe racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in psychosocial aspects of living with diabetes, discuss promising approaches to promote equity in psychosocial care, and provide future research directions.

The impact of race and socioeconomic factors on paediatric diabetes

There are over 29,000 children and young people (CYP) with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in England and Wales and another 726 with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). There is little effect of deprivation on the prevalence of T1DM whereas the association of deprivation on the percentage of CYP with T2DM is striking with 45% of cases drawn from the most deprived backgrounds. A number that has not changed over the last 4 years. Data from the UK and USA as well as other countries demonstrate the impact of deprivation on outcomes in diabetes mellitus with clear effects on measures of long-term control and complications. In the UK black CYP had higher glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) values compared to other groups. Within the black group, CYP from a Caribbean background had a higher mean HbA1c (77.0 mmol/mol (9.2%)) than those from Africa (70.4 mmol/mol (8.6%)). Treatment regimen (multiple daily injections or insulin pump therapy) explained the largest proportion of the variability in HbA1c followed by deprivation. Those in the least deprived areas had an average HbA1c 5.88 mmol/mol (0.5%) lower than those living in the most deprived areas. The picture is complex as UK data also show that deprivation and ethnicity is associated with less use of technology that is likely to improve diabetes control. Increased usage of pump therapy and continuous glucose monitoring was associated with a younger age of patient (less than 10 years of age), living in the least deprived areas and white ethnicity. This gap between pump usage amongst CYP with T1DM living in the most and least deprived areas has widened with time. In 2014/15 the gap was 7.9% and by 2018/19 had increased to 13.5%. To attain an equitable service for CYP with diabetes mellitus we need to consider interventions at the patient, health care professional, community, and health care system levels.

Health-related quality of life in youth with type 1 diabetes: Associations with multiple comorbidities and mental health conditions

AIM

This cross-sectional study examined the associations of comorbid conditions on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in 601 youth with type 1 diabetes. We evaluated associations between number of comorbid conditions (0, 1, ≥2) and particular comorbid conditions and youth HRQOL by self-report and parent proxy-report.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Youth with type 1 diabetes, aged 5-18 years, and their parents completed the PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales self-report and parent proxy-report, respectively; they also reported youths' comorbid medical and mental health conditions. Separate linear regression models tested the relationship between number of comorbid conditions and specific comorbid conditions with youth-reported and parent proxy-reported HRQOL.

RESULTS

Youth with ≥2 comorbid conditions had significantly lower HRQOL by both self- and parent proxy-reports compared with youth with 0 or 1 comorbid condition (youth self-report: 0: 85 ± 12, 1: 85 ± 13, 2+: 78 ± 16, p = <0.0001; parent proxy-report: 0: 83 ± 12, 1: 81 ± 13, 2+: 74 ± 15, p = <0.0001). Amongst the comorbid conditions, only a mental health comorbidity was associated with lower HRQOL. For youth and parent proxy-reports, both the number of comorbidities (≥2) and the presence of a mental health comorbidity were significantly associated with lower HRQOL.

CONCLUSIONS

Health-related quality of life seems to be preserved in youth with type 1 diabetes unless confronted by multiple comorbidities as reported by youth and their parents. Our findings highlight the importance of tracking the presence of multiple comorbid conditions, possibly by reviewing problem and medication lists in the medical record, as well as screening for and addressing mental health conditions in routine diabetes care.

A prospective investigation of developmental trajectories of psychosocial adjustment in adolescents facing a chronic condition - study protocol of an observational, multi-center study

Background

Relatively little is known about protective factors and the emergence and maintenance of positive outcomes in the field of adolescents with chronic conditions. Therefore, the primary aim of the study is to acquire a deeper understanding of the dynamic process of resilience factors, coping strategies and psychosocial adjustment of adolescents living with chronic conditions.

Methods/design

We plan to consecutively recruit N = 450 adolescents (12–21 years) from three German patient registries for chronic conditions (type 1 diabetes, cystic fibrosis, or juvenile idiopathic arthritis). Based on screening for anxiety and depression, adolescents are assigned to two parallel groups – “inconspicuous” (PHQ-9 and GAD-7 < 7) vs. “conspicuous” (PHQ-9 or GAD-7 ≥ 7) – participating in a prospective online survey at baseline and 12-month follow-up. At two time points (T1, T2), we assess (1) intra- and interpersonal resiliency factors, (2) coping strategies, and (3) health-related quality of life, well-being, satisfaction with life, anxiety and depression. Using a cross-lagged panel design, we will examine the bidirectional longitudinal relations between resiliency factors and coping strategies, psychological adaptation, and psychosocial adjustment. To monitor Covid-19 pandemic effects, participants are also invited to take part in an intermediate online survey.

Discussion

The study will provide a deeper understanding of adaptive, potentially modifiable processes and will therefore help to develop novel, tailored interventions supporting a positive adaptation in youths with a chronic condition. These strategies should not only support those at risk but also promote the maintenance of a successful adaptation.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), no. DRKS00025125. Registered on May 17, 2021.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-021-02869-9.

Do baseline resilience profiles moderate the effects of a resilience-enhancing intervention for adolescents with type I diabetes?

OBJECTIVE

Resilience processes include modifiable individual and family-based skills and behaviors and are associated with better health and emotional outcomes for youth with Type I diabetes (T1D). There is likely heterogeneity among adolescents with T1D based on differing profiles of resilience processes. At-risk adolescents with lower levels of modifiable skills and assets may benefit more from psychosocial skill-building interventions, compared to adolescents who already have strong resilience processes. This article identified whether there are subgroups of adolescents with T1D based on resilience process profiles and assessed differences in glycemic control, diabetes management behaviors, and distress at baseline. It also evaluated subgroups as moderators of the efficacy of a psychosocial skill-building program.

METHOD

Two hundred sixty-four adolescents with T1D (14 to 18 years) were randomly assigned to a resilience-promoting program (N = 133) or diabetes education control (N = 131). Data were collected at seven time points over 3 years and analyzed with latent profile analysis and latent growth curve modeling.

RESULTS

There were two subgroups with high- versus low-resilience processes. The low-resilience subgroup exhibited more distress, higher HbA1c, less glucose monitoring, and fewer diabetes management behaviors at baseline. Differences persisted over 3 years. Subgroup membership did not moderate the efficacy of a resilience-promoting program compared to control. The resilience program resulted in lower distress regardless of subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

There is heterogeneity in resilience process profiles, which are associated with clinically meaningful differences in distress, diabetes management, and glycemic control. Findings can be used to identify at-risk teenagers and inform a targeted approach to care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Effects of family and neighborhood risks on glycemic control among young black adolescents with type 1 diabetes: Findings from a multi-center study

While individual and family risk factors that contribute to health disparities in children with type 1 diabetes have been identified, studies on the effects of neighborhood risk factors on glycemic control are limited, particularly in minority samples. This cross-sectional study tested associations between family conflict, neighborhood adversity and glycemic outcomes (HbA1c) in a sample of urban, young Black adolescents with type 1 diabetes(mean age = 13.4 ± 1.7), as well as whether neighborhood adversity moderated the relationship between family conflict and HbA1c. Participants (N = 128) were recruited from five pediatric diabetes clinics in two major metropolitan US cities. Diabetes-related family conflict was measured via self-report questionnaire (Diabetes Family Conflict Scale; DFCS). Neighborhood adversity was calculated at the census block group level based on US census data. Indictors of adversity were used to calculate a neighborhood adversity index (NAI) for each participant. Median family income was $25,000, suggesting a low SES sample. In multiple regression analyses, DFCS and NAI both had significant, independent effects on glycemic control (β = 0.174, P = 0.034 and β = 0.226 P = 0.013, respectively) after controlling for child age, family socioeconomic status and insulin management regimen. Tests of effects of the NAI and DFCS interaction on HbA1c found no significant moderating effects of neighborhood adversity. Even within contexts of significant socioeconomic disadvantage, variability in degree of neighborhood adversity predicts diabetes-related health outcomes in young Black adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Providers should assess social determinants of health such as neighborhood resources that may impact adolescents' ability to maintain optimal glycemic control.

Toward the Development of a Culturally Humble Intervention to Improve Glycemic Control and Quality of Life among Adolescents with Type-1 Diabetes and Their Families

Type-1 Diabetes (T1D) is a prevalent and costly disorder associated with substantial morbidity that differentially impacts low-income and/or minority adolescents and their families. The primary study objective was to develop a guiding model to inform culturally humble interventions for Mid-southern youth with T1D presenting with multiple correlates of suboptimal glycemic control and their families. In order to develop a clinic specific guiding model, conceptualizations of health, the need/type of intervention thought to be most helpful, the optimal structure, and strategies to improve the cultural/regional fit was ascertained from (A) youth with T1D (n = 13) and caregivers (n = 11) via qualitative interviews and, (B) pediatric endocrinologists and nurse practitioners (n = 6), and (C) nurses, diabetes educators, dietitians, and social workers (n = 9) via focus groups. Qualitative themes were synthesized to guide the treatment development model whereby Quality of Life and Glycemic Control would be directly enhanced by interventions to promote Coping, Support, Education, and Improved Psychosocial Functioning and indirectly through improved Adherence and T1D Autonomy delivered in a culturally humble way that affirms youths' T1D identify. These finding suggest that existing evidence-based treatments may provide a great fit for low-income, and/or minority youth with T1D and their families living in the mid-south, provided these interventions are delivered in culturally humble manner.

Defining features of diabetes resilience in emerging adults with type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Emerging adulthood presents unique challenges for type 1 diabetes (T1D) management. Barriers to achieving optimal diabetes outcomes have been studied but less is known about how emerging adults overcome these challenges. Characterizing emerging adults' protective factors may help guide T1D care during this developmental period. We anticipated identifying social, cognitive, and behavioral protective factors and were open to additional themes.

METHODS

We analyzed transcripts from semi-structured qualitative interviews with 62 emerging adults (age 18-24 years) with T1D using hybrid thematic analysis. Interviews queried about participants' perspectives on diabetes management challenges, how they overcome challenges, and diabetes resilience.

RESULTS

We categorized responses into three types of protective factors: (a) Social: Interpersonal strategies such as obtaining tangible support (especially from parents) and emotional support from friends, medical professionals, and community leaders. (b) Cognitive: Believing one can live a "normal" life with T1D, benefit-finding, and viewing diabetes management as an important part of life. (c) Behavioral: Proactively planning for diabetes challenges, maintaining a consistent routine while allowing for flexibility, balancing diabetes and non-diabetes activities, and using diabetes-specific and general technologies to support self-management.

CONCLUSIONS

The adaptive approaches emerging adults with T1D use to handle the challenges of diabetes include seeking interpersonal support, managing their thoughts about T1D, and taking specific actions to prevent or resolve challenges. Helping emerging adults identify and strengthen their protective factors has potential to affect clinical outcomes. Strengths-based assessment and clinical attention to protective factors may prepare adolescents to successfully manage the challenges of transition to adult care.

[Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on glucemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus]

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To face the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic, home lockdown in Spain was decreed on 15th March 2020. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of this constraint on glycemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Observational, retrospective study in children and adolescents with T1D users of interstitial glucose monitoring systems. The following information corresponding to the last 2 weeks of lockdown was collected for subsequent comparison with data of 2 weeks prior to quarantine: daily insulin needs, mean interstitial glucose, estimated HbA1c, coefficient of variation (CV), time in range (70-180mg/dl), hypoglycemia (<70 and <54mg/dl), and hyperglycemia (>180 and>250mg/dl), sensor use and number of blood glucose measurements. Data about meal routines, physical exercise, need for adjustments in therapy, acute complications, and lockdown of caregivers were assessed via a survey.

RESULTS

80 patients were studied (mean age 12.61±3.32 years, mean time of evolution of the disease 5.85±3.92 years), 66.2% treated with an insulin pump, users of following glucose monitoring systems: GuardianTM 3 (65%), FreeStyle LibreTM (18.8%) and Dexcom G6TM (16.2%). Time in range in the cohort increased significantly during confinement (72.1±10.5 vs. 74.8±10.5%; P=.011) with lower time in hypoglycemia both<70mg/dl (4.6±3.2 vs. 3.2±2.7%; P<.001) and<54mg/dl (1.2±1.6 vs. 0.7±1.2%; p<0.001) and hyperglycemia >250mg/dl (4.6±3.9 vs. 3.7±3.7%; P=.038). CV also decreased (35.8±6.3 vs. 33.1±6.1%; P<.001). Patients treated with multiple doses of insulin and poorer baseline glycemic control experienced greatest improvement. Daily insulin requirements remained stable. Regular practice of physical exercise and caregivers' confinement did not have a significant impact.

CONCLUSIONS

Glycemic control in children and adolescents with T1D improved during quarantine, particularly in those with worse baseline control.

Type 1 Doing Well: Pilot Feasibility and Acceptability Study of a Strengths-Based mHealth App for Parents of Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

Background: We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a pilot behavioral intervention delivered to parents of adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) via mobile-friendly web app. The Type 1 Doing Well app aimed to promote supportive family diabetes management by helping parents recognize and reinforce teens' positive diabetes-related behaviors ("strengths"). Methods: Parents (n = 80, 74% recruitment) of adolescents (age range = 12-17 years, M = 15.3 ± 1.5 years, 59% female, 56% insulin pump, M hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) = 9.0% ± 2.1%) were randomized 2:1 to intervention or control (i.e., usual medical care with or without app) for 3-4 months between diabetes appointments. The app prompted parents daily to track adolescents' strengths and generated weekly summaries of their teen's top strengths. Parents could access a library of text messages to praise their teens. Exploratory pre/post data included questionnaires (98% completed) and HbA1c. Results: Parents used the app for M = 106.1 ± 37.1 days, logging in ≥once/day on 80% of days. Ninety-one percent of parents used the app ≥2 days/week on average. Parents viewed M = 5.6 ± 4.7 weekly summaries and "favorited" 15 praise texts in the library. App acceptability ratings (7-point scale) were high: Satisfaction 5.0 ± 1.5, Usefulness 4.8 ± 1.5, Ease of Use 6.2 ± 0.8, and Ease of Learning 6.5 ± 0.8. Parents (n = 48) and adolescents (n = 47) gave positive feedback and suggestions via qualitative interviews. There were no significant between-group differences for change in exploratory outcomes (HbA1c, questionnaires). Conclusions: Type 1 Doing Well was feasible to deliver and highly acceptable and engaging for parents of adolescents with T1D. It may have a larger impact on behavioral or clinical outcomes as part of a multicomponent intervention protocol. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02877680.

A qualitative study exploring diabetes resilience among adults with regulated type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients often experience unregulated blood glucose due to the lack of resilience. The aim of this study was to explore diabetes resilience among adults with regulated T2DM.

METHODS

This study used a qualitative case study design. A total of 15 participants with T2DM were recruited through snowball sampling. The study was conducted in four Health Primary Centers in Surabaya, Indonesia. The indicators of diabetes resilience were proper management of diet, activity, stress, and drugs. Interview guidelines were used to collect the data through in-depth interviews. The data were subjected to thematic analysis.

RESULTS

In this study, the results identified four themes, namely, resilient, support, benefits, and self-care agency. These themes were found among the participants with a resilient condition and regulated blood glucose.

CONCLUSIONS

Resilient, support, benefits, and self-care agency are the themes for achieving diabetes resilience by adults with T2DM. Policymakers and health workers need to consider health interventions for increasing the resilience of T2DM patients so that they can achieve a better glycemic control condition, and manage their diet, medication, activity and stress properly.

The psychosocial experience and needs of children newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes from their own perspective: a systematic and narrative review

AIM

To understand the psychosocial experience of children and identify their primary support needs following a type 1 diabetes diagnosis.

METHODS

A systematic review and narrative synthesis of the literature in this area was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 32 studies were included in the review. At diagnosis, the majority of children experienced high distress, including grief, anxiety, anger, irritation and injection anxiety. The intensity of this reaction decreased rapidly over the following weeks. At diagnosis, rates of depressive symptoms, anxiety, stress disorders and suicidal ideation were elevated. The initial reaction tended to peak shortly after diagnosis and declined over the following year. Thereafter, symptoms of depression and anxiety appeared to increase once again, corresponding with the children's experience of diabetes management and implications as being more difficult and upsetting. Injection anxiety, distress and depressive symptoms persisted for a smaller group of children.

CONCLUSION

The initial high prevalence of depressive symptoms following diagnosis is transitional and should be regarded as a normal adaptive response. To facilitate this adaptive process, specific child-centred support should be prioritized as an integrated part of early diabetes care. Our findings point to five inter-related support needs following a type 1 diabetes diagnosis: (1) children need time to adjust to the diagnosis; (2) children need supportive relationships; (3) children need an opportunity for meaningful participation and appropriate protection; (4) children need to engage and explore; and (5) children need to feel supported, but not different.