A study of the relationship between social support, depression, alexithymia and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a structural equation modeling approach.

Aim: The aim of this research was to ascertain the correlations between alexithymia, social support, depression, and glycemic control in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Additionally, this study sought to delve into the potential mediating effects of social support and depression in the relationship between alexithymia and glycemic control. Method: A purposive sampling methodology was employed to select a cohort of 318 patients afflicted with type 2 diabetes mellitus, hailing from a care establishment situated in Chengdu City. This investigation embraced a cross-sectional framework, wherein instruments such as the General Information Questionnaire, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale 20, the Social Support Rating Scale, and the Hamilton Depression Scale were judiciously administered. The primary objective of this endeavor was to unravel the interplay that exists amongst alexithymia, social support, depression, and glycemic control. The inquiry discerned these interrelationships through both univariate and correlational analyses, subsequently delving into a comprehensive exploration of the mediating ramifications engendered by social support and depression in the nexus between alexithymia and glycemic control. Results: The HbA1c level of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus was recorded as (8.85 ± 2.107), and their current status with regards to alexithymia, social support, and depression were measured as (58.05 ± 4.382), (34.29 ± 4.420), and (7.17 ± 3.367), respectively. Significant correlations were found between HbA1c and alexithymia (R=0.392, P<0.01), social support (R=-0.338, P<0.01), and depression (R=0.509, P<0.01). Moreover, alexithymia correlation with social support (R=-0.357, P<0.01) and with depression (R=0.345, P<0.01). Regarding the mediation analysis, the direct effect of alexithymia on HbA1c was calculated to be 0.158, while the indirect effect through social support and depression were 0.086 and 0.149, respectively. The total effect value was determined to be 0.382, with the mediating effect accounting for 59.95%, and the direct effect accounting for 40.31%. Conclusion: Alexithymia exerts both direct and indirect adverse effects on glycemic control, thereby exacerbating disease outcomes. Hence, it is imperative to prioritize the mental health status of individuals with type 2 diabetes to enhance overall well-being, ameliorate diabetes-related outcomes, elevate patients' quality of life, and alleviate the psychological distress and financial burden associated with the condition.

Sex-based factors influencing perceived relocation stress and glycemic control among older adults with diabetes.

This study investigated sex differences perceived relocation stress and glycemic control among older adults with type 2 diabetes in long-term care facilities. A cross-sectional correlation design was used to recruit 120 residents during their first year after moving into the facilities in southern Taiwan. The results showed that almost two-thirds of the participants (64.2%) were women. The mean age was 79.62 (SD = 1.71). Older women with diabetes were reported to have significantly lower levels of education and poor glycemic control but higher levels of perceived relocation stress than men; however, functional independence was significantly higher in men. Although perceived relocation stress significantly predicted HbA1c levels in both women and men, length of stay was also significant in predicting HbA1c levels in women. These findings indicate the need for effective physical and psychological measures to improve glycemic control during the first year of stay in long-term care facilities.

The effect of training to diabetes patients according to planned behavior theory on self-efficacy and patient empowerment: A randomized study.

AIM: To examine the effect of training provided to type 2 diabetes patients according to the theory of planned behavior on self-efficacy and patient empowerment. METHODS: This study, pre-test-post-test active control group single-blind experimental design, was conducted in the internal medicine outpatient clinic of a state hospital between April and October 2023. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group (IG; n = 45) and control group (CG; n = 47). The intervention group received a theory-based training program consisting of 5 sessions lasting approximately 40 min. each. Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale, Patient Empowerment Scale and the patient's laboratory results were used for data collection. RESULTS: In the study, while the posttest self-efficacy and patient empowerment scores of the intervention group increased compared to the pretest, there was an decrease in HbA1C level. On the post-test measurements between groups, self-efficacy and patient empowerment scores were higher and effect sizes were higher in the intervention group, while no difference was found in HbA1C values. CONCLUSION: The training program provided according to the theory of planned behavior in diabetes patients provides positive contributions to disease management.

The moderating role of diabetes distress on the effect of a randomized eHealth intervention on glycemic control in Black adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Due to systemic inequities, Black adolescents with type 1 diabetes are more likely to have suboptimal glycemic control and high rates of diabetes distress, but tailored interventions for this population are lacking. In primary outcomes of a randomized clinical trial, a family-based eHealth intervention improved glycemic control in Black adolescents with type 1 diabetes and elevated depressive symptoms. The present study is a secondary analysis of these clinical trial data examining the moderating effect of diabetes distress on the efficacy of the intervention. METHODS: Using secondary data from a multicenter randomized clinical trial (Clinicaltrials.gov [NCT03168867]), caregiver-adolescent dyads were randomly assigned to either up to three sessions of an eHealth parenting intervention (n = 75) or a standard medical care control group (n = 74). Black adolescents (10 years, 0 months to 14 years, 11 months old) with type 1 diabetes and a caregiver willing to participate were eligible. Adolescents reported their diabetes distress at baseline, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) data were collected at baseline, 6-, 13-, and 18-month follow-up. RESULTS: No between-group contrasts emerged in a linear mixed-effects regression (p's > .09). Within-group contrasts emerged such that adolescents assigned to the intervention who reported high diabetes distress had lower HbA1c at the 18-month follow-up relative to baseline (p = .004); the 18-month decrease in HbA1c was -1.03%. CONCLUSIONS: Black adolescents with type 1 diabetes and high levels of diabetes distress showed significant decreases in HbA1c following a family-based eHealth intervention, suggesting diabetes distress may be a key moderator of intervention efficacy within this population.

Diabetes distress in urban Black youth with type 1 diabetes and their caregivers: associations with glycemic control, depression, and health behaviors.

OBJECTIVES: Adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their caregivers endorse high diabetes distress (DD). Limited studies have documented the impact of DD on Black youth. The aims of the present study were to (1) describe DD among a sample of Black adolescents with T1D and their caregivers, (2) compare their DD levels with published normative samples, and (3) determine how DD relates to glycemic outcomes, diabetes self-management, parental monitoring of diabetes, and youth depressive symptoms. METHODS: Baseline data from a multicenter clinical trial were used. Participants (N = 155) were recruited from 7 Midwestern pediatric diabetes clinics. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and measures of DD, parental monitoring of diabetes care, youth depression and diabetes management behaviors were obtained. The sample was split into (1) adolescents (ages 13-14; N = 95) and (2) preadolescents (ages 10-12; N = 60). Analyses utilized Cohen's d effect sizes, Pearson correlations, t-tests, and multiple regression. RESULTS: DD levels in youth and caregivers were high, with 45%-58% exceeding either clinical cutoff scores or validation study sample means. Higher DD in youth and caregivers was associated with higher HbA1c, lower diabetes self-management, and elevated depressive symptoms, but not with parental monitoring of diabetes management. CONCLUSIONS: Screening for DD in Black youth with T1D and caregivers is recommended, as are culturally informed interventions that can reduce distress levels and lead to improved health outcomes. More research is needed on how systemic inequities contribute to higher DD in Black youth and the strategies/policy changes needed to reduce these inequities.

Association between glycemic control in different emotional conditions and adherence to carbohydrate counting in people with type 1 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil / Associação entre controle glicêmico em diferentes condições emocionais e adesão à contagem de carboidratos em pessoas com diabetes tipo 1 durante a pandemia de COVID-19 no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective Evaluate the association between glycemic control in different emotional perceptions and the adherence to carbohydrate counting by adults with type 1 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Methods This cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee (Opinion nº 4,147,663) and conducted in July 2020 using a Google Forms® form. Socioeconomic and demographic data were collected; glycemic monitoring according to the individuals' emotions at the time of measurement (happy, motivated, or hopeful; stressed or anxious; sad, distressed, or with depressive symptoms); data on adherence to carbohydrate counting and social distancing. Pearson's Chi-Square test was applied with adjusted residual analysis (p<0.05). Results Approximately 64.62% of the 472 participants, had hyperglycemia when stressed/anxious, and 52.97% when they felt sad/distressed/depressive (p<0.000). Associations were observed between having normoglycemia in any emotional situation and performing the carbohydrate counting (p<0.000); perceiving oneself as happy/motivated/hopeful and having hyperglycemia, and not measuring blood glucose was associated with not having the carbohydrate counting (p<0.000); being stressed or anxious was associated with not measuring blood glucose and not having the carbohydrate counting (p<0.000). Conclusion The need for multidisciplinary care to enhance mental health and adherence to treatment for people with type 1 diabetes is highlighted.

RESUMO Objetivo O estudo objetivou avaliar a associação entre o controle glicêmico em diferentes percepções emocionais e a adesão à contagem de carboidratos por adultos com diabetes tipo 1 durante a pandemia de COVID-19 no Brasil. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal, descritivo e analítico aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa (Parecer 4.147.663), realizado em julho de 2020 por meio de formulário Google Forms®. Foram coletados dados socioeconômicos e demográficos; monitoramento glicêmico de acordo com as emoções do indivíduo no momento da mensuração (feliz, motivado ou esperançoso; estressado ou ansioso; triste, angustiado ou com sintomas depressivos); dados sobre adesão à contagem de carboidratos e distanciamento social. Aplicou-se o teste qui-quadrado de Pearson com análise residual ajustada (p<0,05). Resultados Dos 472 participantes, 64,62% apresentavam hiperglicemia quando estressados/ansiosos, e 52,97%, quando se sentiam tristes/angustiados/depressivos (p<0,000). Foram observadas associações entre ter normoglicemia em qualquer situação emocional e realizar a contagem de carboidratos (p<0,000), perceber-se feliz/motivado/esperançoso e ter hiperglicemia, assim como não medir a glicemia foi associado a não ter a contagem de carboidratos (p<0,000). Estar estressado ou ansioso foi associado a não medir a glicemia e não ter a contagem de carboidratos (p<0,000). Conclusão Destaca-se a necessidade de atendimento multidisciplinar para potencializar a saúde mental e a adesão ao tratamento de pessoas com diabetes tipo 1.

The association between depression symptom endorsement and glycemic outcomes in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of depression among adolescents with type 1 diabetes is estimated to be 2-3 times higher than in the general population. In adults with type 1 diabetes and depression, short-term outcomes are worse compared to individuals just diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. This study aims to determine if depressive symptom endorsement is associated with glycemic outcomes and short-term complications in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Analysis was conducted using electronic medical records from the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative. Adolescents with type 1 diabetes, aged 12-18, receiving treatment in a diabetes clinic who had been screened for depression with the PHQ-9 between 2016 and 2018 were eligible for inclusion. Individuals must have also had HbA1c data available from the day of depression screening and from 10 to 24 weeks after screening; the final sample size was 1714. RESULTS: Almost 30% of adolescents endorsed mild or greater (PHQ-9 ≥ 5) depressive symptoms. Endorsement of mild or greater depressive symptoms was associated with an 18% increased risk of an HbA1c ≥7.5% and a 42% increased risk of an HbA1c ≥9.0% on the day of screener administration. Depressive symptom endorsement was also associated with an 82% increased risk for DKA. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that depression symptoms are associated with an increased risk for elevated HbA1c and short-term complications. With the rising incidence of type 1 diabetes in youth, routine screening, and appropriate management of depression is needed.

New Zealand women's experiences of managing gestational diabetes through diet: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: For women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) poor dietary choices can have deleterious consequences for both themselves and their baby. Diet is a well-recognised primary strategy for the management of GDM. Women who develop GDM may receive dietary recommendations from a range of sources that may be inconsistent and are often faced with needing to make several dietary adaptations in a short period of time to achieve glycaemic control. The aim of this study was to explore how women diagnosed with GDM perceive dietary recommendations and how this information influences their dietary decisions during pregnancy and beyond. METHODS: Women diagnosed with GDM before 30 weeks' gestation were purposively recruited from two GDM clinics in Auckland, New Zealand. Data were generated using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysed to identify themes describing women's perceptions and experiences of dietary recommendations for the management of GDM. RESULTS: Eighteen women from a diverse range of sociodemographic backgrounds participated in the study. Three interconnected themes described women's perceptions of dietary recommendations and experiences in managing their GDM through diet: managing GDM is a balancing act; using the numbers as evidence, and the GDM timeframe. The primary objective of dietary advice was perceived to be to control blood glucose levels and this was central to each theme. Women faced a number of challenges in adhering to dietary recommendations. Their relationships with healthcare professionals played a significant role in their perception of advice and motivation to adhere to recommendations. Many women perceived the need to follow dietary recommendations to be temporary, with few planning to continue dietary adaptations long-term. CONCLUSIONS: The value of empathetic, individually tailored advice was highlighted in this study. A greater emphasis on establishing healthy dietary habits not just during pregnancy but for the long-term health of both mother and baby is needed.

Effectiveness of Health Coaching in Diabetes Control and Lifestyle Improvement: A Randomized-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to look into the effectiveness of a 6-month health coaching intervention for HbA1c and healthy diet in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: The study was carried out via a two-armed, randomized controlled trial that included 114 diabetic patients at a medical center in Taiwan. During the 6-month period, the intervention group had health coaching and usual care for 6 months, and the control group had usual care only. The outcome variables were HbA1c level and healthy diet for follow-up measurement in the third and sixth month. RESULTS: The study discovered a significant decrease in HbA1c and health diet improvement after the 6-month health coaching. Patients in the intervention group decreased their daily intake of whole grains, fruits, meats and protein, and fats and oils while increasing their vegetables intake. CONCLUSIONS: Health coaching may be conducive to the blood sugar control and healthy diet of patients with type 2 diabetes. Further study on health coaching with higher-quality evidence is needed.

Association between Grit Scales and adherence to regular hospital visits among Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: Prospective observational study.

This study examined the association between Grit Scales and adherence to a schedule of regular hospital visits among Japanese type 2 diabetes patients. Patients with type 2 diabetes who visited the outpatient clinic as new patients comprised the study's participants. Self-administered Short Grit Scale data were obtained from 122 patients at the first consultation and were then observed for 1 year. As the results, 21 participants failed to attend the hospital. In a logistic regression analysis, the Grit Scale as a continuous variable was positively associated with adherence to regular clinical visits. Its odds ratio and 95% confidential interval was 9.68 and 2.87-32.65 (P = 0.0003). In conclusion, it is likely that the Grit Scale is closely associated with adherence to regular hospital visits among Japanese type 2 diabetes patients.

Prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in women with gestational diabetes: a longitudinal cohort study.

AIMS: Prevalence of mental disorders in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is not well defined; however, their presence could interfere with effective glucose self-management. Therefore, we aimed to assess the incidence of depression and anxiety symptoms in women with GDM in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy and their impact on glycemic control. METHODS: We included consecutive women undergoing the GDM screening test at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana. Women with GDM (n = 77) and women without GDM (n = 103) completed questionnaires on depression and anxiety symptomatology, health locus of control and social support. RESULTS: The incidence of depression symptoms in the 2nd trimester is higher in women with GDM (23.4%) than in women without GDM (10.7%; p = 0.022; OR = 2.6). The incidence of depression and anxiety symptomatology did not change significantly from 2nd to 3rd trimester within both groups; however, an increase in the average severity of depression symptomatology was observed. Glycemic control was negatively associated with the external health locus of control. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight the need for depression screening early on during pregnancy, especially in women with GDM. Timely psychological support may contribute to better GDM management and possibly prevent negative pregnancy outcomes.

Coping skills and glycaemic control: the mediating role of diabetes distress.

AIMS: The present study examined the mediating role of diabetes distress on the relationship between coping and glycaemic control, and evaluated if the afore-mentioned mediation was moderated by insulin treatment in people with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A total of 473 adults with type 2 diabetes were recruited from an outpatient clinic in Hong Kong and invited to take part in a survey that measured adaptive coping, maladaptive coping, and diabetes stress. Glycaemic control was measured by glycated haemoglobin values extracted from medical records. PROCESS v3.4 macro was used to test the moderated mediation model. RESULTS: Adaptive coping was negatively associated with diabetes distress (-0.29, 95% CI: -0.53, -0.06), whereas maladaptive coping was positively associated with diabetes distress (1.82, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.51). Diabetes distress had a positive relationship with glycated haemoglobin (0.04, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.05), but no correlations were found between glycated haemoglobin and adaptive coping or maladaptive coping. Insulin treatment not only weakened the diabetes distress-glycaemic control relationship (-0.04, 95% CI: -0.06, -0.01), but also weakened the mediation effect of maladaptive coping-glycaemic control relationship via diabetes distress (-0.07, 95% CI: -0.12, -0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The study findings revealed the role of diabetes distress and insulin treatment in the link between coping skills and glycaemic control. Interventions to help boost confidence and autonomy in people with diabetes could help them lessen diabetes distress.

Diabetes Knowledge and Metabolic Control in Type 1 Diabetes Starting With Continuous Glucose Monitoring: FUTURE-PEAK.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether diabetes knowledge and health literacy impact glycemic control after 1 year of intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) in people with type 1 diabetes  ≥ 16 years. METHODS: In this prospective real-world cohort study, we assessed diabetes knowledge using a new 10-item questionnaire [Patient Education and Knowledge (PEAK)] and health literacy using the validated 6-item Newest-Vital Sign-D (NVS-D) questionnaire. Primary endpoint was association between PEAK score and change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Secondary endpoints were link between NVS-D score and change in HbA1c and that between time spent in/above/below range and PEAK/NVS-D scores. RESULTS: 851 subjects were consecutively recruited between July 2016 and July 2018. Median PEAK score was 8 (range: 0-10), and median NVS-D score was 6 (range 0-6). HbA1c evolved from 7.9% (7.8%-8.0%), 63 (62-64) mmol/mol, at start to 7.7% (7.6%-7.7%), 61 (60-61) mmol/mol (P < 0.001), at 6 months and to 7.8% (7.7%-7.9%), 62 (61-63) mmol/mol, at 12 months (P < 0.001). HbA1c only improved in subgroups with higher scores [PEAK subgroups with score 7-8 (P = 0.005) and 9-10 (P < 0.001) and NVS-D score 4-6 (P < 0.001)]. At 12 months, time spent below 70 mg/dL was reduced by 15% (P < 0.001), and time spent below 54 mg/dL was reduced by 14% (P < 0.001), irrespective of PEAK/NVS-D score. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated an association of PEAK score, scan frequency, and baseline HbA1c with evolutions in time in range and time in hyperglycemia. CONCLUSIONS: isCGM reduced time in hypoglycemia, and HbA1c evolved favorably. Our findings suggest that diabetes and health literacy affect glucometrics, emphasizing the importance of education.

Telemedicine and urban diabetes during COVID-19 pandemic in Milano, Italy during lock-down: epidemiological and sociodemographic picture.

BACKGROUND: Since 2010, more than half of World population lives in Urban Environments. Urban Diabetes has arisen as a novel nosological entity in Medicine. Urbanization leads to the accrual of a number of factors increasing the vulnerability to diabetes mellitus and related diseases. Herein we report clinical-epidemiological data of the Milano Metropolitan Area in the contest of the Cities Changing Diabetes Program. Since the epidemiological picture was taken in January 2020, on the edge of COVID-19 outbreak in the Milano Metropolitan Area, a perspective addressing potential interactions between diabetes and obesity prevalence and COVID-19 outbreak, morbidity and mortality will be presented. To counteract lock-down isolation and, in general, social distancing a pilot study was conducted to assess the feasibility and efficacy of tele-monitoring via Flash Glucose control in a cohort of diabetic patients in ASST North Milano. METHODS: Data presented derive from 1. ISTAT (National Institute of Statistics of Italy), 2. Milano ATS web site (Health Agency of Metropolitan Milano Area), which entails five ASST (Health Agencies in the Territories). A pilot study was conducted in 65 screened diabetic patients (only 40 were enrolled in the study of those 36 were affected by type 2 diabetes and 4 were affected by type 1 diabetes) of ASST North Milano utilizing Flash Glucose Monitoring for 3 months (mean age 65 years, HbA1c 7,9%. Patients were subdivided in 3 groups using glycemic Variability Coefficient (VC): a. High risk, VC > 36, n. 8 patients; Intermediate risk 20 < VC < 36, n. 26 patients; Low risk VC < 20, n. 4 patients. The control group was constituted by 26 diabetic patients non utilizing Flash Glucose monitoring. RESULTS: In a total population of 3.227.264 (23% is over 65 y) there is an overall prevalence of 5.65% with a significant difference between Downtown ASST (5.31%) and peripheral ASST (ASST North Milano, 6.8%). Obesity and overweight account for a prevalence of 7.8% and 27.7%, respectively, in Milano Metropolitan Area. We found a linear relationship (R = 0.36) between prevalence of diabetes and aging index. Similarly, correlations between diabetes prevalence and both older people depending index and structural dependence index (R = 0.75 and R = 0.93, respectively), were found. A positive correlation (R = 0.46) with percent of unoccupied people and diabetes prevalence was also found. A reverse relationship between diabetes prevalence and University level instruction rate was finally identified (R = - 0.82). Our preliminary study demonstrated a reduction of Glycated Hemoglobin (p = 0.047) at 3 months follow-up during the lock-down period, indicating Flash Glucose Monitoring and remote control as a potential methodology for diabetes management during COVID-19 lock-down. HYPOTHESIS AND DISCUSSION: The increase in diabetes and obesity prevalence in Milano Metropolitan Area, which took place over 30 years, is related to several environmental factors. We hypothesize that some of those factors may have also determined the high incidence and virulence of COVID-19 in the Milano area. Health Agencies of Milano Metropolitan Area are presently taking care of diabetic patients facing the new challenge of maintaining sustainable diabetes care costs in light of an increase in urban population and of the new life-style. The COVID-19 pandemic will modify the management of diabetic and obese patients permanently, via the implementation of approaches that entail telemedicine technology. The pilot study conducted during the lock-down period indicates an improvement of glucose control utilizing a remote glucose control system in the Milano Metropolitan Area, suggesting a wider utilization of similar methodologies during the present "second wave" lock-down.

Increased stress, weight gain and less exercise in relation to glycemic control in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: Lockdown measures have a profound effect on many aspects of daily life relevant for diabetes self-management. We assessed whether lockdown measures, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, differentially affect perceived stress, body weight, exercise and related this to glycemic control in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a short-term observational cohort study at the Leiden University Medical Center. People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes ≥18 years were eligible to participate. Participants filled out online questionnaires, sent in blood for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) analysis and shared data of their flash or continuous glucose sensors. HbA1c during the lockdown was compared with the last known HbA1c before the lockdown. RESULTS: In total, 435 people were included (type 1 diabetes n=280, type 2 diabetes n=155). An increase in perceived stress and anxiety, weight gain and less exercise was observed in both groups. There was improvement in glycemic control in the group with the highest HbA1c tertile (type 1 diabetes: -0.39% (-4.3 mmol/mol) (p<0.0001 and type 2 diabetes: -0.62% (-6.8 mmol/mol) (p=0.0036). Perceived stress was associated with difficulty with glycemic control (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: An increase in perceived stress and anxiety, weight gain and less exercise but no deterioration of glycemic control occurs in both people with relatively well-controlled type 1 and type 2 diabetes during short-term lockdown measures. As perceived stress showed to be associated with glycemic control, this provides opportunities for healthcare professionals to put more emphasis on psychological aspects during diabetes care consultations.

Socioeconomic deprivation, technology use, C-peptide, smoking and other predictors of glycaemic control in adults with type 1 diabetes.

AIMS: Intensive glycaemic control is associated with substantial health benefits in people with type 1 diabetes. We sought to examine clinical and demographic factors associated with meeting glycaemic targets in type 1 diabetes. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 4594 individuals with type 1 diabetes. The primary outcome of the study was assessing factors associated with meeting HbA1c targets. Secondary endpoints included factors associated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) use and persistent C-peptide secretion. RESULTS: Socioeconomic deprivation was strongly associated with a lower likelihood of achieving an HbA1c <58 mmol/mol (7.5%) (20% in the most deprived quintile vs. 40% in the least deprived, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, absence of smoking history (OR 3.06, p < 0.001), flash monitoring (OR 1.49, p < 0.001), CSII (1.43, p = 0.022) and longer diabetes duration (OR 1.02 per year, p = 0.004) were independently associated with achieving HbA1c <58 mmol/mol (7.5%), whereas increasing age (OR 0.99 per year, p = 0.004) and C-peptide <50 pM (OR 0.58, p < 0.001) were associated with a lower likelihood of meeting this target. Low C-peptide (<50 pM) was less likely in men (OR 0.55, p < 0.001) and never smokers (0.44, p < 0.001) in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Lower levels of deprivation, non-smoking, higher C-peptide, technology use, lower BMI and male gender were all associated with a higher likelihood of meeting HbA1c targets. Access to proven diabetes treatments is lower in the most deprived individuals. Urgent efforts are required to provide treatments which are effective across the socioeconomic gradient.

Peer Support Added to Diabetes Education Improves Metabolic Control and Quality of Life in Mayan Adults Living With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Yucatán, located in the southern region of Mexico, is the state with the country's highest prevalence of uncontrolled diabetes. Because of its particular cultural and socioeconomic characteristics, the residents of Yucatán face unique health-care challenges. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effect of peer support added to a diabetes education program on glycemic control and diabetes-related quality of life when compared with a conventional diabetes education program in patients with type 2 diabetes in a Mayan community in Mexico. METHODS: In March 2015, a total of 58 participants with a previous diagnosis of type 2 diabetes who were recruited from community health centres in Komchén were randomly assigned in equal numbers to 1 of 2 groups: 1) a peer support and diabetes self-management education group (PSEG) or 2) a conventional diabetes self-management education-only group. The primary outcomes of interest were glycated hemoglobin (A1C) values and diabetes-related quality of life. The majority of subjects were bilingual (Mayan and Spanish speakers), female and middle aged, and had a low level of formal education and high baseline A1C (mean, 8.7%). RESULTS: Whereas both groups showed significant improvements from baseline to study end in absolute levels of A1C, the PSEG group had a more pronounced clinical improvement, but no statistical improvement, in A1C compared with the conventional diabetes self-management education-only group. PSEG participants exhibited statistically significant improvement in diabetes-related quality of life at 8 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates the benefits of peer-support education above and beyond the impact of diabetes self-management education on diabetes-related quality of life in an underserved Mayan community in Mexico.

Association of habits, triggers, glycaemic control, routines, stress and impulse control among emerging adults with type 1 diabetes.

AIM: Glycaemic control is known to be poor among emerging adults with type 1 diabetes, but the reasons for this are poorly understood. Examination of diabetes self-management-related habits, triggers and daily routines within the context of impulse control and perceived daily stress may provide increased understanding of glycaemic control during this transitional period. This study examined associations among checking blood glucose (CBG) habits, eating a meal (EAM) habits and glycaemic control within the context of CBG triggers, daily routines, impulse control and perceived daily stress, in emerging adults with type 1 diabetes. METHODS: A cross-sectional convenience sample of 100 emerging adults with type 1 diabetes was recruited from an outpatient diabetes care clinic for this age group. Participants self-reported frequency of CBG and EAM habits, CBG triggers, daily routines, perceived daily stress and impulse control. Glycaemic control values were obtained from medical records. Path analysis was performed. RESULTS: Better glycaemic control was positively and significantly associated with greater frequency of CBG and EAM habits. CBG habits were positively and significantly associated with CBG triggers and EAM habits. EAM habits were positively and significantly associated with daily routines. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest interventional research targeting CBG and EAM habits and daily routines to examine the impact on diabetes self-management and glycaemic control.

Spousal Influence on Diabetes Self-care: Moderating Effects of Distress and Relationship Quality on Glycemic Control.

BACKGROUND: Spouses often attempt to influence patients' diabetes self-care. Spousal influence has been linked to beneficial health outcomes in some studies, but to negative outcomes in others. PURPOSE: We aimed to clarify the conditions under which spousal influence impedes glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Spousal influence was hypothesized to associate with poorer glycemic control among patients with high diabetes distress and low relationship quality. METHODS: Patients with type 2 diabetes and their spouses (N = 63 couples) completed self-report measures before patients initiated a 7-day period of continuous glucose monitoring. Mean glucose level and coefficient of variation (CV) were regressed on spousal influence, diabetes distress, relationship quality, and their two- and three-way interactions. RESULTS: The three-way interaction significantly predicted glucose variability, but not mean level. Results revealed a cross-over interaction between spousal influence and diabetes distress at high (but not low) levels of relationship quality, such that spousal influence was associated with less variability among patients with low distress, but more among those with high distress. Among patients with high distress and low relationship quality, a 1 SD increase in spousal influence predicted a difference roughly equivalent to the difference between the sample mean CV and a CV in the unstable glycemia range. CONCLUSIONS: This was the first study to examine moderators of the link between spousal influence and glycemic control in diabetes. A large effect was found for glucose variability, but not mean levels. These novel results highlight the importance of intimate relationships in diabetes management.

Impact of deprivation on glycaemic control in youth with type 1 diabetes in the southwestern region of France.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this multicenter cross-sectional study was to determine predictors of poor glycaemic control in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), particularly with respect to socioeconomic status (SES). METHODS: Our study population consisted of 1154 children who attended T1DM follow-up consultation with a pediatric diabetes specialist. Clinical and demographic data were retrieved retrospectively from patients' records. Individual deprivation was defined by an EPICES (Evaluation of the Deprivation and Inequalities of Health in Healthcare Centers) score ≥ 30. Patients were assigned to quintiles of the European Deprivation Index (EDI) based on their area deprivation scores. We used multivariable linear regression models to detect potential associations between glycaemic control and indicators of low SES. RESULTS: In total, 33% (n = 376) of patients had an EPICES score ≥ 30 and 23% (n = 268) were in the 5th EDI quintile. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that poor glycaemic control was associated with both individual (ß 0.38; 95%CI 0.26-0.5; p < 0.001) and area deprivation (ß 0.26; 95%CI 0.08-0.43; p = 0.004). Demographic factors, body mass index (BMI) and insulin regimen were also independently associated with poor glycaemic control (p < 0.001). Interestingly, access to diabetes technologies was not related to SES or either glycaemic control. CONCLUSION: Low SES is associated with a higher risk of poor glycaemic control, independently of insulin regimen. BMI, age at the time of consultation, duration of diabetes, and insulin regimen. Also have an impact on HbA1c. These parameters need to be considered when developing novel treatment strategies for children with T1DM to better target at-risk patients.