Observed collaborative and intrusive parenting behaviours associated with psychosocial outcomes of adolescents with type 1 diabetes and their maternal caregivers.

AIMS: Maternal caregiver involvement is strongly associated with psychosocial and glycemic outcomes amongst adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D); however, previous studies have lacked detailed, objective examinations of caregiver involvement. We examined the relationship between observed parenting behaviors and psychosocial and glycemic outcomes amongst youth with T1D. METHODS: Data collected from adolescents with T1D (age 11-17) and their female caregivers as a part of a randomized controlled trial were analyzed. These included structured, observation-based scores of adolescent-caregiver dyads engaged in videotaped interactions and selected psychosocial and glycemic outcome measures. RESULTS: In adjusted analyses, higher levels of intrusive parenting behaviors during observed interactions were associated with higher diabetes distress in adolescents, but no difference in HbA1c. Associations between intrusive parenting behaviors and psychosocial outcomes were stronger for females compared to males for both diabetes distress and quality of life. Similarly, associations between collaborative parenting behaviors and quality of life were stronger for female adolescents than males. No associations were observed between collaborative parenting behaviors and glycemic outcomes. Consistent with previous work, we noted higher levels of adolescent-reported family conflict were associated with lower adolescent quality of life and higher diabetes distress with no significant difference between male and female adolescents. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that high levels of intrusive parenting behaviors, such as lecturing or over-controlling behaviors, are associated with lower levels of adolescent well-being, particularly among adolescent girls. This work suggests that interventions to reduce intrusive parenting by maternal caregivers could result in improved psychosocial outcomes for adolescents with T1D.

Glycemic and Psychosocial Correlates of Continuous Glucose Monitor Use Among Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) use has been linked with better glycemic outcomes (HbA1c), yet many adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) struggle to maintain optimal CGM use. METHODS: This study examined CGM use and its association with HbA1c and psychosocial factors among adolescents with T1D experiencing at least moderate diabetes distress (N = 198). We examined mean differences in HbA1c, diabetes distress, diabetes-related family conflict, and quality of life among CGM user groups (Current Users, Past Users, and Never Users). RESULTS: Current Users demonstrated significantly lower HbA1c than Never Users and significantly lower diabetes distress than Past Users. CGM use was not associated with family conflict or quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: CGM use was associated with lower HbA1c and diabetes distress but not with other psychosocial outcomes. Longitudinal data may explain why many adolescents do not experience improvements in quality of life with CGM use.