Hybrid Closed Loop Systems Improve Glycemic Control and Quality of Life in Historically Minoritized Youth with Diabetes.

Background: We assessed changes in glycemic control and person-reported outcome measures (PROMs) with t:slim X2 insulin pump with Control-IQ technology use among historically minoritized youth who are least likely to access hybrid closed loop (HCL) technology. Methods: This single-arm, prospective pilot study enrolled 15 publicly insured, insulin pump-naïve, non-Hispanic Black youth ages 6 to <21 years with type 1 diabetes and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥10% in a 6-month study of HCL use. The primary outcome was absolute change in time in range (TIR) (70-180 mg/dL). Secondary outcomes included other continuous glucose monitor metrics, PROMs, and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) incidence. Results: For 13 youth (median 14.8 years, 53.3% female, HbA1c 11.7%) who completed the study, baseline TIR of 12.3% (6.3-27.1%) increased 23.7%-points (16.9, 30.5%; P < 0.001) or 5.7 h per day. Percent time >250 mg/dL decreased 33.9%-points (-44.8, -23.1%; P < 0.001) or 8.1 h per day from a baseline of 69.4% (51.6, 84.0%). Median time in HCL was 78.3% (59.7, 87.3%). Youth received 10.1 (9.2, 11.9) boluses per day, 71.7% (63.8, 79.3%) of which were HCL-initiated autoboluses. Diabetes-specific quality of life increased among parents (P < 0.001) and youth (P = 0.004), and diabetes distress decreased in both groups (P < 0.001, P = 0.005). Improvements in glycemia did not correlate with any baseline youth or parent PROMs. DKA was high at baseline (67 episodes/100-person years) and did not increase during the intervention (72 episodes/100-person years, P = 0.78). Conclusion: Improvements in glycemic control and quality of life exceeding pivotal trial findings without increased safety risks among historically minoritized youth emphasize the need for equitable access to HCL systems. ClinicalTrials.gov: clinicaltrials.gov ID (NCT04807374).

ROUTE-T1D: A behavioral intervention to promote optimal continuous glucose monitor use among racially minoritized youth with type 1 diabetes: Design and development.

BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes management is often challenging during adolescence, and many youth with type 1 diabetes struggle with sustained and optimal continuous glucose monitor (CGM) use. Due to racial oppression and racially discriminatory policies leading to inequitable access to quality healthcare and life necessities, racially minoritized youth are significantly less likely to use CGM. METHODS: ROUTE-T1D: Research on Optimizing the Use of Technology with Education is a pilot behavioral intervention designed to promote optimal CGM use among racially minoritized youth with type 1 diabetes. Intervention strategies include problem solving CGM challenges and promoting positive caregiver-youth communication related to CGM data. RESULTS: This randomized waitlist intervention provides participants with access to three telemedicine sessions with a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. Caregiver participants are also connected with a peer-parent coach. CONCLUSION: Hypothesized findings and anticipated challenges are discussed. Future directions regarding sustaining and optimizing the use of diabetes technology among racially minoritized pediatric populations are reviewed.

Updating Our Understanding of Device Use in Adolescents: Demographic Factors and Preferences in a Group of Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to identify demographic factors associated with continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and automated insulin delivery (AID) use among adolescents with type 1 diabetes and to explore why adolescents may start and stop using CGMs. METHODS: Adolescents ages 13 to 17 and caregivers completed demographic and device use surveys at baseline for a randomized trial of a behavioral intervention conducted at 2 large medical centers in the United States. This study is a secondary analysis of the demographic and device use data. RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 198 participants ages 13 to 17, 58% female, 57% non-Hispanic White, 24% non-Hispanic Black, 19% other race and ethnicity. Eighty-one percent of adolescents were using CGM, and 10% reported past use. Forty percent of adolescents reported taking CGM breaks ranging hours to weeks. Higher CGM use was found in higher income families (>$90 000). No difference in CGM use was observed related to race or ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest CGM use is increasing even among adolescents, a group that historically has had the lowest device use. However, adolescents often take CGM breaks, and it is not clear if they adjust their diabetes management during these times. It is important for providers to understand when and why patients may take CGM breaks so education about diabetes management while off CGM can occur. Further investigation into management during CGM breaks, particularly in those using an AID system, is needed.

Evaluating Transition Readiness in Older Adolescents and Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes.

For older adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with type 1 diabetes, successful transition from pediatric to adult diabetes care requires ongoing planning and support. Yet, the transition to adult care is not always smooth. Some AYAs struggle to leave pediatric care or experience significant gaps between pediatric and adult diabetes care. The use of diabetes-specific transition readiness assessments can inform transition planning and support successful preparation for adult care. This study evaluated transition readiness in a diverse sample of AYAs nearing transition to adult diabetes care. Findings suggest that AYAs may benefit from additional preparation and education related to sexual health, tobacco use, and diabetes complications.

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.

Evaluation of Study Engagement With an mHealth Intervention (THR1VE) to Treat Diabetes Distress in Teens With Type 1 Diabetes: Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Positive psychology interventions demonstrate improvements in diabetes self-management and quality of life among adults with chronic health conditions, but few interventions for adolescents use this approach. Objective: This study describes engagement with a positive psychology intervention delivered via automated SMS text messages aimed at treating diabetes distress and improving diabetes outcomes. In addition, demographic and clinical predictors of intervention engagement were examined. Methods: Adolescents with type 1 diabetes (ages 13-17 years) who reported at least moderate diabetes distress were randomized to receive either the education or positive affect + education intervention, comprising 8 weeks of automated SMS text messages. Engagement was assessed as the response to the SMS text messages. Adolescents completed satisfaction surveys 3 months post intervention, and a subset of participants from both intervention groups completed exit interviews. Results: Adolescents in both groups reported high levels of satisfaction with the study, with 95% (163/172) reporting that they would participate again. Engagement with the SMS text messages was high; on average, adolescents in the positive affect + education group responded to 92.5% of intervention messages, and their caregivers responded to 88.5% of messages. There were no significant differences in rates of engagement related to adolescents' sex, age, device use, or race/ethnicity. Conclusions: A positive psychology intervention for adolescents delivered via automated SMS text messages was feasible and acceptable across genders, ages, and racial/ethnic groups, suggesting potential for wider dissemination.

Effects of Low-Calorie Sweetener Restriction on Glycemic Variability and Cardiometabolic Health in Children with Type 1 Diabetes: Findings of a Pilot and Feasibility Study.

Low-calorie sweeteners (LCS) are commonly consumed by children with type 1 diabetes (T1D), yet their role in cardiometabolic health is unclear. This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of 12 weeks of LCS restriction among children with T1D. Children (n = 31) with T1D completed a two-week run-in (n = 28) and were randomly assigned to avoid LCS (LCS restriction, n = 15) or continue their usual LCS intake (n = 13). Feasibility was assessed using recruitment, retention, and adherence rates percentages. Acceptability was assessed through parents completing a qualitative interview (subset, n = 15) and a satisfaction survey at follow-up. Preliminary outcomes were between-group differences in change in average daily time-in-range (TIR) over 12 weeks (primary), and other measures of glycemic variability, lipids, inflammatory biomarkers, visceral adiposity, and dietary intake (secondary). Linear regression, unadjusted and adjusted for age, sex, race, and change in BMI, was used to compare mean changes in all outcomes between groups. LCS restriction was feasible and acceptable. No between-group differences in change in TIR or other measures of glycemic variability were observed. However, significant decreases in TNF-alpha (-0.23 ± 0.08 pg/mL) and improvements in cholesterol (-0.31 ± 0.18 mmol/L) and LDL (-0.60 ± 0.39 mmol/L) were observed with usual LCS intake, compared with LCS restriction. Those randomized to LCS restriction did not report increases in total or added sugar intake, and lower energy intake was reported in both groups (-190.8 ± 106.40 kcal LCS restriction, -245.3 ± 112.90 kcal usual LCS intake group). Decreases in percent energy from carbohydrates (-8.5 ± 2.61) and increases in percent energy from protein (3.2 ± 1.16) and fat (5.2 ± 2.02) were reported with usual LCS intake compared with LCS restriction. Twelve weeks of LCS restriction did not compromise glycemic variability or cardiometabolic outcomes in this small sample of youth with T1D. Further examination of LCS restriction among children with T1D is warranted.

Differences in positive expectancy of hybrid closed loop (HCL) insulin delivery systems do not explain racial differences in HCL use.

Aims: Hybrid closed loop (HCL) insulin delivery systems improve glycemia and quality of life among youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D), however there are inequities in use. We aimed to evaluate whether differences in positive expectancy of HCL systems may explain differences in use. Methods: Fifteen publicly-insured, non-Hispanic Black (NHB) youth with hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) ≥ 10% enrolled in a study exploring changes in glycemia and person reported outcomes (PRO) during 6 months of Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump with Control-IQ technology. At baseline youth and parents completed PROs, including Insulin Delivery Systems: Perceptions, Ideas, Reflections and Expectations (INSPIRE) survey assessing positive expectancy of HCL use, and Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) survey assessing diabetes-related distress. Differences between this cohort and the Tandem Control-IQ pediatric pivotal trial (DCLP5) cohort were assessed. Results: As compared to the DCLP5 cohort (0% NHB, 10% publicly-insured), baseline glycemic indicators were suboptimal (MHbA1c 11.9 ± 1.4% vs 7.6 ± 0.9%, p < 0.0001; continuous glucose monitor (CGM) time-above-range > 180 mg/dL 82 ± 15% vs 45 ± 18%, p < 0.0001). INSPIRE scores in both cohorts were equally high among youth (80 ± 10 vs 77 ± 13, p = 0.41) and parents (88 ± 14 vs 85 ± 11, p = 0.37). PAID scores were higher among parents (68 ± 19 vs 43 ± 16, p < 0.0001), but not youth (43 ± 16 vs 35 ± 16, p = 0.09) in the historically marginalized cohort as compared to the DCLP5 cohort. Conclusions: Despite differences in glycemic control and diabetes related burden, positive expectancy of HCL systems is comparable among historically marginalized youth with T1D and the predominantly non-Hispanic White, privately insured DCLP5 cohort. These findings suggest that differences in perceptions of HCL technology may not explain inequities in use.

Satisfaction With Participation in the First STEPS Behavioral Intervention: Experiences of Parents of Young Children With Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Parents of young children with new-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) often experience significant distress and struggle with T1D management during a challenging developmental stage. The First STEPS (Study of Type 1 in Early childhood and Parenting Support) trial evaluated a stepped-care behavioral intervention comprising increasingly intensive intervention steps (peer parent coach, cognitive-behavioral counseling, consultations with diabetes educator and psychologist) based on need. The intervention improved parental depressive symptoms compared to usual care. Subsequently, we examined parent satisfaction with the intervention to guide potential implementation and refinement for future trials. METHODS: Participants were 157 parents of young children newly diagnosed with T1D. At 9 months post randomization, n = 153 completed satisfaction questionnaires and n = 17 completed qualitative interviews. Satisfaction ratings about trial procedures and each intervention step were summarized. We used thematic analysis with the interview transcripts to generate themes related to participants' experiences in the trial overall and intervention specifically. We explored differences in themes between participants who did versus did not respond to the intervention and among those who experienced different intervention steps. RESULTS: Most participants in both arms rated study participation and methods positively (>95%), and those completing interviews described high satisfaction with study procedures overall, retention incentives, and contact with study staff. Intervention participants' satisfaction ratings were high across steps. Two qualitative themes reflected satisfaction with the intervention enhancing self-efficacy and social support. CONCLUSIONS: High satisfaction suggests implementing a stepped-care behavioral intervention as part of routine clinical care following T1D diagnosis would be well received.

Parent Perspectives of School/Daycare Experiences in Young Children Newly Diagnosed With Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: A central part of family adjustment to a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is integrating T1D management into the child's school/daycare. This may be particularly challenging for young children who rely on adults for their diabetes management. This study aimed to describe parent experiences with school/daycare during the first 1.5 years following a young child's T1D diagnosis. METHODS: As part of a randomized controlled trial of a behavioral intervention, 157 parents of young children with new-onset (<2 months) T1D reported on their child's school/daycare experience at baseline and at 9- and 15-month post-randomization. We used a mixed-methods design to describe and contextualize parents' experiences with school/daycare. Qualitative data were collected via open-ended responses, and quantitative data were collected from a demographic/medical from. RESULTS: While most children were enrolled in school/daycare at all time points, over 50% of parents endorsed that T1D affected their child's enrollment, rejection, or removal from school/daycare at 9 or 15 months. We generated five themes related to parents' school/daycare experiences: Child factors, Parent factors, School/Daycare factors, Cooperation between Parents and Staff, and Socio-historical factors. Parents of younger children and those with lower subjective socioeconomic status were significantly more likely to endorse challenges with school/daycare enrollment. CONCLUSIONS: School/daycare settings present challenges for parents of young children with T1D. Changes may need to occur across contexts to support early childhood education, including advocacy resources for parents to navigate school policies, increased training for school staff, and healthcare team outreach initiatives to parents and schools.

Psychosocial, Medical, and Demographic Variables Associated with Parent Mealtime Behavior in Young Children Recently Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Managing young children's mealtime concerns can be challenging after type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosis because of developmental factors and diabetes management demands. To identify potential intervention targets, we evaluated medical, psychosocial, and demographic factors in relation to parents' engagement in problem mealtime behaviors (e.g., pressure to eat, restriction). METHOD: Parents (N = 157) of young children (age 1-6 years) reported on psychosocial variables (parent fear of hypoglycemia, family functioning, parent problem solving, and parents' problem mealtime behavior frequency and perceptions of being problematic) within 2 months after T1D diagnosis. Hierarchical regression analyses examined associations among psychosocial variables, demographics (child sex, parent race/ethnicity), child continuous glucose monitor (CGM) use, and parents' problem mealtime behaviors. RESULTS: Parents of children using CGMs reported parents' mealtime behaviors as more problematic than nonusers, but there were no differences for other medical or demographic variables. Models predicting parents' problem mealtime behavior frequency and problem perceptions that included psychosocial variables, demographic variables, and CGM use led to significant R 2 of 0.14 and 0.16, respectively. CGM use and parent problem solving were significantly associated with parent mealtime behaviors being perceived as more problematic. CONCLUSION: Shortly after T1D diagnosis in young children, medical and parent psychosocial factors related to how frequently parents engaged in problem mealtime behaviors and the degree to which parents perceived them as problematic. Other factors may further explain the complexities of mealtime management. Considering parents' problem-solving skills and child treatment regimens may help guide interventions targeting mealtime challenges during the new diagnosis period.

Sociodemographic risk factors, parental stress and social support in the neonatal intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate relationships among neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parent demographics, reported stress and social support. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observation. SETTING: Tertiary referral NICU in Mid-Atlantic USA. PATIENTS: Parents (n=300) in the Giving Parents Support trial at enrolment. MEASURES: Psychometric scales measured general stress, parental stress, NICU stress and social support. Demographic variables included education level, health insurance type, race, relationship status, age and gender. Length of stay was used to control for illness severity. Associations and potential modifying effects were evaluated using linear regression. RESULTS: Having less than a college degree (b=-2.52, SE=0.91) and female parent gender (b=-3.42, SE=1.47) were associated with lower parental stress scores. Older age in years was associated with higher parental stress scores (b=0.21, SE=0.07) but lower NICU stress scores (b=-0.01, SE=0.01). Greater social support scores were associated with lower scores of general (b=-2.76, SE=0.39) and parental stress (b=-1.71, SE=0.47). Less than a college degree (b=-0.26, SE=0.11), Medicaid insurance (b=-0.43, SE=0.11) and black race (b=-0.56, SE=0.12) were associated with decreased social support scores. Level of social support modified the relationship between education and parental stress, with higher social support decreasing education-based differences in parental stress scores (p=0.049). CONCLUSION: Sociodemographic risk factors may not infer stress or risk in the anticipated direction. Practice and future research should focus on identifying and supporting NICU families at high risk for stress and low support. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02643472.

Applying the use of shared medical appointments (SMAs) to improve continuous glucose monitor (CGM) use, glycemic control, and quality of life in marginalized youth with type 1 diabetes: Study protocol for a pilot prospective cohort study.

Background: Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have been associated with improved glycemic control and diabetes-related quality of life in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D), however use is lowest among youth from low-income households and racial/ethnic minorities. Shared medical appointments (SMAs) have been shown to improve glycemic control and reduce diabetes distress in adolescents with T1D, but a focus on marginalized youth has been lacking. This prospective cohort pilot study will assess feasibility and acceptability of the SMA intervention and impact on CGM uptake and sustained use, glycemic control, and diabetes distress in marginalized youth with elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C). Methods: The pilot study will recruit 20 publicly insured youth with T1D aged 8-12 years who identify as non-Hispanic Black or Latinx and have had at least one HbA1C value > 8% in the past year and their primary caretaker. The trial will employ an enrollment visit, SMA visits every 3 months over a 12-month study period, and a 6-month follow-up observational period. Feasibility measures include proportion of eligible youth successfully recruited for participation, proportion initiating CGM, SMA attendance, and retention through study completion. Acceptability will be assessed using satisfaction surveys. Changes in glycemic control will be assessed using CGM metrics and A1c from baseline to completion of the 12-month SMA intervention, as well as 3 and 6-months after completion of the SMA intervention. Conclusion: Implementing SMAs for marginalized youth has the potential to address diabetes disparities by optimizing clinical and psychosocial outcomes for the most vulnerable youth living with T1D.Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05431686.

Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes Management: A Qualitative Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to understand impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on pediatric type 1 diabetes management. METHODS: In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 parents of children (age 6-12 years) with type 1 diabetes. Parents responded to 8 open-ended questions about their experiences managing their children's type 1 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic. All interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using qualitative thematic methods. RESULTS: Parents reported both positive and negative aspects of managing their children's type 1 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Facilitators of diabetes management included spending more time together at home and enhanced convenience of telehealth appointments and online supply ordering. Parents also described difficulties managing their children's type 1 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic, including a lack of structure in their child's daily routine, which led to increases in sedentary behavior. Furthermore, they reported psychosocial challenges of type 1 diabetes management, which were exacerbated by the pandemic. CONCLUSION: While the COVID-19 pandemic was described as having overall positive impacts on pediatric type 1 diabetes management, efforts to support parents in increasing children's physical activity and reducing screen time are needed, along with readily accessible mental health resources for both parents and their children with type 1 diabetes.

First STEPS: Primary Outcomes of a Randomized, Stepped-Care Behavioral Clinical Trial for Parents of Young Children With New-Onset Type 1 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the emotional challenges of parental adjustment to a child's type 1 diabetes diagnosis and the unique complexities of early childhood, there are few programs designed to meet the needs of parents of young children at new onset. This study evaluated First STEPS (Study of Type 1 in Early childhood and Parenting Support), a stepped-care behavioral intervention designed to support parents' psychosocial functioning and promote children's glycemic outcomes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Using a two-site randomized clinical trial design, parents (n = 157) of children aged 1-6 years completed baseline data within 2 months of diabetes diagnosis and were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 115) or usual care (n = 42) for 9 months. Intervention steps included: 1) peer parent coaching, with step-ups to 2) structured behavioral counseling and 3) professional consultations with a diabetes educator and psychologist, based on parent mood and child HbA1c. Participants completed follow-ups at 9 and 15 months postrandomization. Primary outcomes were parent depressive symptoms and child HbA1c. RESULTS: Depressive symptoms improved in both groups, and intervention parents had significantly lower depressive symptoms at the 9- and 15-month follow-ups compared with usual care. HbA1c decreased in both groups, but there were no between-group differences at 9 or 15 months. CONCLUSIONS: First STEPS improved parents' mood following young children's type 1 diabetes diagnosis. Results indicate likely benefits of parent coach support, supplemented by intervention intensifications, including behavioral intervention and diabetes education. This model has high potential for patient engagement. The absence of a medical intervention component may explain null findings for HbA1c; incorporating targeted behavioral support for intensive diabetes treatment may maximize intervention impact.

Parental resilience and psychological distress in the neonatal intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the associations between parental resilience and psychological distress during the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization. STUDY DESIGN: Observational cohort study of parents of preterm infants (n = 45) admitted to a NICU between December 2017-October 2019. Data on resilience and psychological distress were collected using validated scales. Regression analysis was used to evaluate associations. RESULT: One-third of NICU parents screened positive for depression or anxiety. There were no identified sociodemographic factors or parental engagement activities associated with resilience. Parents with higher resilience had lower scores on depression and anxiety screens. However, resilience alone was not a predictor for a positive depression or anxiety screen (aOR 0.93, CI 0.86-1.00; aOR 0.95, CI 0.89-1.02, respectively). CONCLUSION: Resilience may be associated with lower scores on depression and anxiety screens but is not an independent predictor for a positive screen during the early NICU hospitalization.

Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Focus on Pediatric Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) focus on promoting nonjudgmental, purposeful awareness of the present experience, and they include specific components such as body scan, meditation, and breathing techniques for healthier coping with stress and reduced negative affect. In adult populations with chronic illness (e.g., type 1 diabetes [T1D], type 2 diabetes [T2D], overweight), MBIs have been shown to improve psychosocial outcomes with some improvements in health outcomes as well. Youth with T1D/T2D frequently experience heightened depression as well as diabetes distress, which are associated with less frequent blood glucose monitoring, insulin administration, and nutrition oversight. Thus, MBIs have potential to alleviate psychosocial distress in youth with T1D/T2D and also improve health outcomes. This paper is a review of the literature on potential psychosocial and health benefits of MBIs for youth with T1D/T2D. RECENT FINDINGS: Among youth with T1D/T2D, MBIs have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and diabetes distress. Improvements in health outcomes, such as A1c, have been inconsistent across studies. Although research on the efficacy of MBIs to improve psychosocial and health outcomes in youth with T1D/T2D is promising, this area of study is in its early stages. Future investigation of MBIs in youth with T1D and T2D is warranted, recognizing that these are heterogeneous groups with potential benefit of specifically tailored interventions.

Demographic and Glycemic Factors Linked With Diabetes Distress in Teens With Type 1 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes distress (DD) is a negative emotional response related to the burdens of living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and is linked with diabetes outcomes, such as hemoglobin A1c (A1c). Yet, less is known about how other glycemic indicators, average blood glucose and time in range, relate to DD, and which demographic characteristics are associated with higher DD. METHODS: In total, 369 teens (Mage 15.6 ± 1.4, 51% female, MT1D duration 6.7 ± 3.8 years) screened for DD using The Problem Areas in Diabetes-Teen Version to determine eligibility for an ongoing multi-site behavioral trial. The associations of DD, demographic factors, and glycemic indicators (A1c, average blood glucose, and time in range) were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-nine percent of teens (n = 95) scored above the clinical cutoff (≥44) for DD. Females scored significantly higher on average than males. Black/African American, non-Hispanic youth screened significantly higher compared to youth from other racial/ethnic groups. Higher DD scores were related to higher A1c and average blood glucose, and lower time in range. Logistic regression models revealed that females were significantly more likely to report clinically elevated DD than males, and teens with higher A1c were 1.3 times more likely to report DD. Age and diabetes duration were not significantly associated with clinically elevated DD scores. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrated that DD is most prevalent in Black, non-Hispanic and female teens, and DD is associated with higher average blood glucose and lower time in range. Further investigation into these disparities is warranted to promote optimal health outcomes for teens with T1D.

Promoting glycemic control in young children with type I diabetes: Results from a pilot intervention for parents.

OBJECTIVE: Nutrition and physical activity are key components of daily diabetes care in young children with type I diabetes (T1D). Normative developmental behavioral challenges related to nutrition and physical activity complicate management of T1D. The current pilot study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and indications of behavior change of an intervention aimed at improving nutrition and physical activity in young children with T1D. METHOD: Thirty-6 parents of young children (ages 2-5 years, M = 4.2) with T1D from 2 clinics in the Washington, DC area were randomized to receive the type One Training (TOTs) program or Usual Care (UC). Assessments included recruitment and completion rates, participant acceptability, and outcomes including glycemic variability via continuous glucose monitoring, nutritional intake via remote food photography, physical activity via accelerometers, and parental report on behavior and psychosocial functioning. RESULTS: Despite recruitment challenges, the TOTs program was feasible to administer, with high program and assessment completion rates. Acceptability ratings were very high but differed by recruitment site. Participants randomized to TOTs had an increase in percent of time in target glycemic range and reduction in behavioral feeding problems between baseline and follow-up while those randomized to UC did not. Participants in UC demonstrated a decrease in in moderate to vigorous physical activity at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The TOTs program demonstrated preliminary feasibility and acceptability. Future research will examine components of treatment for evidence of efficacy and target the intervention to those most likely to benefit. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Correlates and Patterns of COVID-19 Vaccination Intentions among Parents of Children with Type 1 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To examine psychosocial, sociodemographic, medical, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experiences as correlates of COVID-19 vaccination intentions among parents of children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). METHODS: 121 parents of children with T1D (Mchild age = 7.78 ± 1.70; MA1c = 8.3% ± 1.5%) in the mid-Atlantic and Southwest regions completed self-report measures in February to March 2021. RESULTS: Parents' general vaccination behaviors and attitudes were associated with COVID-19 vaccination intentions. Child insurance type and social distancing adherence were associated with vaccination intention in the Southwest site. Higher A1c was associated with lower intention. Vaccine safety was the top reported concern. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 vaccination intentions are important to address in parents of youth with health conditions.