The role of peer social relationships in psychological distress and quality of life among adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus suffer from diabetes distress and poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL) since living with the condition that differentiates them from their peers. The present study investigated the effects of peer support and stress on diabetes distress and HRQOL and whether positive coping mediated the effects. METHODS: We used a prospective study design. A total of 201 adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus from 20 cities in 4 provinces were recruited.Participants complete two separate surveys at approximately 18-month intervals. The scales employed at both Time 1 and Time 2 included the Diabetes-Specific Peer Support Measure, Diabetes Stress Questionnaire for Youths, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, 5-item Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale, and the Diabetes Quality of Life for Youth scale. RESULTS: Baseline peer stress directly predicted diabetes distress and HRQOL at 18 months, even controlling for age, gender, and peer support. However, the direct effect of baseline peer support on 18-month diabetes distress and HRQOL was insignificant. Baseline peer support indirectly affected diabetes distress and HRQOL at 18 months through positive coping, indicating that positive coping plays a mediating role. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that peer social relationships, especially peer stress, and positive coping are promising intervention targets for adolescents facing challenges in psychosocial adaptation.

Living with type 1 diabetes and schooling among young people in Ghana: a truism of health selection, inadequate support, or artefactual explanation of educational inequalities?

INTRODUCTION: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is mostly diagnosed among young people. Despite the evidence that T1DM is disruptive, and affects individuals' health and cognitive ability, there is dearth of knowledge on the impact of T1DM on schooling in LMICs including Ghana. In this research, we explored the impact of T1DM on the schooling of young people living with the disease, and discussed the results within health selection, social support, and artefactual perspectives of inequality. METHODS: Data were extracted from a qualitative project on T1DM lived experiences in southern Ghana. The study participants were young persons living with T1DM (n = 28) and their caregivers (n = 12). They were purposively recruited to participate in the study using maximum variation and snowball sampling techniques and interviewed in their support group centres, homes, or healthcare facilities using semi-structured interview guides. A computer-assisted qualitative data analysis was performed using QSR NVivo 14 software, and the results were categorised into themes. RESULTS: Three themes were identified from the transcripts. These themes were school and classroom attendance, choice of school, and school/academic performance. T1DM was a major reason for patients' limited contact hours with teachers, school drop-out, preference for day schools rather than boarding, opting for vocational training instead of continuation of formal education, limited concentration at school, and delayed educational progression. CONCLUSION: T1DM impacted the schooling of young people living with the disease. The mechanisms of these impacts, and young peoples lived experiences are not artefactual, but rather support discourses on health selection and inadequate social support for young people living with the disease. The results call for the need to develop educational and social interventions to address these barriers. The full implementation of the Inclusive Education Policy (IEP) may contribute to reducing educational and social inequalities caused by ill-health.

Beyond Therapeutic Adherence: Alternative Pathways for Understanding Medical Treatment in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

Given the psychosocial and economic costs of behaviors of patients who seem not to benefit from the medications, technologies, and medical therapies available for chronic diseases such as Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, therapeutic adherence has been identified as one of the main focuses in the intervention. This paper presents contributions from semiotic cultural clinical psychology for understanding problems associated with the implementation of medical treatment in patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus to explore psychological dimensions not yet reported in depth. A narrative review of 24 scientific articles published between 2012 and 2023 is carried out. The information is produced through thematic analysis, and the results are presented in three themes: 1. illness characteristics, 2. adherence and associated concepts, and 3. modes of intervention. It concludes with the development of a two-axis proposal for understanding the experience of patients that privileges psychological aspects involved in the disease and its treatment, considering the approach to the goals of treatment as dynamic and fluctuating rather than as final states.

Lived Experience of Fully Closed-Loop Insulin Delivery in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes.

Introduction: The Closing the Loop in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes (CLEAR) randomized crossover study compared a novel fully closed-loop insulin delivery system with no carbohydrate entry or mealtime bolusing (CamAPS HX), with standard insulin pump therapy and glucose sensor in adults with type 1 diabetes and suboptimal glycemic outcomes. This qualitative substudy aimed to understand the psychosocial impact of using the fully automated system. Materials and Methods: Adults participating in the CLEAR study were invited to take part in a virtual semistructured interview after they had completed 8 weeks using the fully closed-loop system. Recruitment continued until there was adequate representation and data saturation occurred. Interviews were anonymized and transcribed for in-depth thematic analysis using an inductive-deductive approach. Study participants were also asked to complete questionnaires assessing diabetes distress, hypoglycemia confidence, and closed-loop treatment satisfaction. Results: Eleven participants (eight male and three female; age range 26-66 years) were interviewed. After an initial adjustment period, interviewees reported enjoying a reduction in diabetes burden, freed-up mental capacity, and improved mood. All were happy with overnight glycemic outcomes, with the majority reporting benefits on sleep. Although experiences of postprandial glucose outcomes varied, all found mealtimes easier and less stressful, particularly when eating out. Negatives raised by participants predominantly related to the insulin pump hardware, but some also reported increased snacking and challenges around resuming carbohydrate counting at trial closeout. Conclusions: In adults with type 1 diabetes, use of a fully closed-loop insulin delivery system had significant quality-of-life benefits and provided a welcome break from the day-to-day demands of living with diabetes. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT04977908.

Study protocol of translation into Spanish and cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the problem areas in diabetes-Pediatric version (PAID-Peds) survey.

AIM: The metabolic and psychological management of paediatric type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) can be challenging over time given that T1DM may cause a negative emotional burden and, consequently, result in poor metabolic control of the disease. The objectives of this study are to translate the Problem Area in Diabetes Survey-Pediatric version (PAID-Peds) into Spanish, adapt it culturally and validate it. DESIGN: Multicenter cross sectional study. METHODS: 636 patients aged 8-17 years, diagnosed with T1DM, under treatment with insulin and follow-up at the Miguel Servet University Hospital in Zaragoza (Aragón, Spain), the Ramón y Cajal University Clinical Hospital in Madrid (Spain) and at the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital in Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain) between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2024 will be included. This study will consist of two phases: (1) Translation and cultural adaptation of the original PAID-Peds® survey into Spanish following eight steps; (2) Validation of the Spanish version of the PAIS-Peds® survey. The statistical analysis will be performed using Jamovi® 2.1.23. The reliability or internal consistency will be calculated using Cronbach's alpha index (considering an index higher than 0.8 to be good) and the test-retest will be evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient. For validity, confirmatory factor analysis will be calculated. This study has been approved by the ethics and research committees at each centre. RESULTS: The translation and validation into Spanish language of the Problem Area in Diabetes Survey-Pediatric version will be feasible, valid and reliable to detecting the youth-perceived burden of T1DM. Therapeutic education in diabetes-recommended by the WHO and the Diabetes Education Study Group-has shown encouraging results in glycaemia and psychosocial and behavioural factors in T1DM.

A cognitive behavioural model of the bidirectional relationship between disordered eating and diabetes self care in adult men with Type 1 diabetes mellitus.

AIMS: This qualitative study aimed to develop the first cognitive behavioural (CBT) model outlining the development and maintenance of disordered eating in adult men living with Type 1 diabetes to improve on previous theoretical models of Type 1 diabetes and disordered eating and to draw comparisons to women with Type 1 diabetes and disordered eating. METHODS: Twenty-seven men (n = 16 with Type 1 diabetes and disordered eating, n = 11 with Type 1 diabetes without disordered eating) participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and individual CBT formulations were developed for each participant to inform the model. RESULTS: Men with Type 1 diabetes and disordered eating experience negative thoughts about food, insulin, weight/shape and diabetes itself, which cause negative emotions such as fear and vulnerability and difficulties with diabetes self care such as problems with hyper and hypoglycaemia and problems accessing structured education and technology result in men feeling more dissatisfied about their body weight/shape. CONCLUSIONS: This CBT model of disordered eating in men with Type 1 diabetes can guide new interventions.

"You can hide it if you want to, you can let it be seen if you want to": A qualitative study of the lived experiences of Australian adults with type 1 diabetes using the Omnipod DASH® system.

AIMS: Understanding the lived experience of using a tubeless insulin pump and how this differs compared to usual care (tubed insulin pump therapy (IPT) vs multiple daily injections (MDI)). METHODS: Interviews were conducted after 12-weeks of using the Omnipod DASH Insulin Management System (Insulet, Acton, MA) and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-eight adults (35 female; mean age 42;SD 13 years; 35 previous MDI) were interviewed. Most (84 %) wanted to continue using the device. Experiences fit two themes: 1. Taking back control of my diabetes: many previous MDI users perceived improved glycaemic control, explained by more "nuanced" control, with some reporting positive effects during exercise and sleep. Many previous MDI and IPT users endorsed positive experiences in concealing or disclosing their diabetes to others. However, some previous MDI users reported negative psychosocial experiences due to feeling continuously "attached" to their diabetes. 2. Barriers and facilitators of device acceptability: both MDI and IPT users cited wearability, alarms and the financial cost impacted their choice to continue device use. IPT users reported positive wearability experiences. CONCLUSIONS: The tubeless pump improved diabetes management perceptions for both MDI and tubed pump users. However, participants' prior glucose management affected perceptions of its advantages and disadvantages.

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.

Impact of 6-months of an advanced hybrid closed-loop system on sleep and psychosocial outcomes in youth with type 1 diabetes and their parents.

INTRODUCTION: Youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and parents experience reduced quality of life and sleep quality due to nocturnal monitoring, hypoglycemia fear, and diabetes-related disruptions. This study examined the sleep and quality of life impact of advanced technology. METHODS: Thirty-nine youth with T1D, aged 2-17 years, starting an advanced hybrid closed-loop (HCL) system and a parent participated in an observational study. Surveys, actigraphy, sleep diaries, and glycemic data (youth) were captured prior to HCL, at one week, 3 months, and 6 months. Outcomes were modeled using linear mixed effects models with random intercepts to account for within-subject correlation, with least-squares means at each timepoint compared to baseline. RESULTS: Parents and youth reported improvements in health-related quality of life and fear of hypoglycemia after HCL initiation. Concurrently, nocturnal glycemia improved. Actigraphy-derived sleep outcomes showed improved 6 month adolescent efficiency and 3 and 6 month parent wake after sleep onset. Additionally, parents reported improved subjective sleep quality and child sleep-related impairment at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: With nocturnal glycemic improvements in youth using HCL technology, some aspects of parent and youth sleep and quality of life improved. This may reflect decreased parental monitoring and worry and highlights benefits for youth beyond glycemia.

Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the problem areas in diabetes (PAID) survey: Results from diabetes MILES - Turkey.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To 1) assess the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID), PAID-5 and PAID-1 survey among Turkish adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, 2) estimate the level of elevated diabetes-specific distress (DD), and 3) determine the demographic and clinical correlates of DD-symptom severity. METHODS AND RESULTS: From 2017-2019, 252 adults with type 1(n = 80) (T1DM) or type 2 diabetes (n = 172) (T2DM) self-reported demographic factors, DD(PAID) and related psychological and clinical questionnaires. We examined PAID internal consistency, structural and convergent validity. Associations of measures with DD were explored with hierarchical linear regression analysis. PCA yielded a 3-factor solution for PAID-20 and a 2-factor solution for PAID-5. Cronbach's α for PAID/PAID-5 subscales ranged from 0.63-0.90. All PAID versions correlated most strongly to BIPQ and HFS. The prevalence of elevated distress (PAID-20 ≥33) was 40% in T1DM and 15% in T2DM. DD severity was significantly positively associated (p < 0.01) with more negative diabetes perceptions (BIPQ) and type 1 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: The Turkish translation of the PAID and its short forms appeared to have satisfactory psychometric properties. Elevated diabetes distress was more common in T1DM.

Personal and illness identity in youth with type 1 diabetes: Developmental trajectories and associations.

OBJECTIVE: Having Type 1 diabetes (T1D) may complicate the normative developmental task of personal identity formation in adolescence and emerging adulthood. Besides exploring and committing to identity choices in different life domains, youth with T1D need to integrate their illness into their identity, a process labeled as illness identity. The present study examined whether youth with T1D belonging to different personal identity trajectory classes developed differently on four illness identity dimensions (acceptance, enrichment, engulfment, rejection). METHOD: This four-wave longitudinal study over a 3-year period used self-report questionnaires to examine how personal identity trajectory classes were related to illness identity over time in youth with T1D (baseline: n = 558; 54% female; age range = 14-25 years). Personal identity trajectory classes were identified using latent class growth analysis. Differential development of the four illness identity dimensions among these personal identity trajectory classes was examined using multigroup latent growth curve modeling. RESULTS: Five personal identity trajectory classes were identified: achievement, foreclosure, moratorium, carefree diffusion, and troubled diffusion. Individuals in achievement and foreclosure displayed highest levels of diabetes integration (i.e., high levels of acceptance and enrichment; low levels of engulfment and rejection), whereas individuals in troubled diffusion displayed lowest levels of illness integration (i.e., low levels of acceptance and enrichment; high levels of engulfment and rejection). CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirms that personal identity development relates to illness identity development over time in youth with T1D. Understanding the intricate link between personal and illness identity may help clinicians to tailor their interventions to patients' individual needs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

A Systematic Review of the Effects of Provider Bias on Health in Youth and Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Although pervasive inequities in the health outcomes of youth and young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) exist, the role of provider bias in these inequities is not well-understood. The purpose of this review is to synthesize evidence from existing studies on the associations between patient characteristics, provider bias, and patient health. RECENT FINDINGS: Fourteen articles were included. Determining the extent of the effects of provider bias on patient health is limited by a lack of consensus on its definition. Experiences of provider bias (e.g., shaming, criticism) negatively affects self-esteem, relationships with medical providers, and depressive symptoms. Provider bias also impacts diabetes technology recommendations, insulin regimen intensity, and risk for life-threatening T1D complications. Future studies are needed to develop questionnaires and interviews that better account for diverse experiences and interpretations of bias in T1D healthcare. More research is also needed to investigate mitigating factors to reduce provider bias as a way to improve psychological and physical health in individuals with T1D.

Group-based behaviour therapy improves self-care, glycaemic control and distress in adults with type 1 diabetes.

AIMS: Psychological interventions have had modest effects on HbA1c in adults with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). We evaluated a novel behaviour therapy (BT) group program aiming to improve diabetes self-care and reduce HbA1c and distress. Core features were the application of a functional-analytic model, behavioural self-management training, and personally selected T1D self-care behaviours as treatment targets. METHODS: Participants with T1D, 2-consecutive HbA1c ≥ 8.5 %(69 mmol/mol) and/or diabetes-related emotional/behavioural difficulties who had received specialist multidisciplinary input for ≥2 years completed 6-sessions of BT over 9-weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, on completing 5-consecutive weekly sessions (post-) and at session 6, 1-month after (follow-up). RESULTS: Of 66 participants mean age 37.9 years, mean age at T1D diagnosis 22.0 years, and median T1D duration 14 years, 54 completed BT. HbA1c improved from baseline to follow-up (9.7 ± 1.9 %-8.8 ± 1.3 %, p < 0.001), as did diabetes distress (DD: total score 49.2 ± 7.8 baseline, 38.9 ± 14.7 post- and 32.8 ± 11.7 follow-up, p < 0.001). All DD subscales of emotional burden, and physician, regimen, and interpersonal distress, improved (p < 0.001). Consistent results were observed for patients on multiple daily injections and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy. CONCLUSIONS: BT based on a functional-analytic and behavioural self-management model holds promise as an effective means of improving HbA1c and reducing DD in adults with T1D.

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.

Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes.

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

Exploring Technology's Influence on Health Behaviours and Well-being in Type 1 Diabetes: a Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Maintaining positive health behaviours promotes better health outcomes for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, implementing these behaviours may also lead to additional management burdens and challenges. Diabetes technologies, including continuous glucose monitoring systems, automated insulin delivery systems, and digital platforms, are being rapidly developed and widely used to reduce these burdens. Our aim was to review recent evidence to explore the influence of these technologies on health behaviours and well-being among adults with T1D and discuss future directions. RECENT FINDINGS: Current evidence, albeit limited, suggests that technologies applied in diabetes self-management education and support (DSME/S), nutrition, physical activity (PA), and psychosocial care areas improved glucose outcomes. They may also increase flexibility in insulin adjustment and eating behaviours, reduce carb counting burden, increase confidence in PA, and reduce mental burden. Technologies have the potential to promote health behaviours changes and well-being for people with T1D. More confirmative studies on their effectiveness and safety are needed to ensure optimal integration in standard care practices.

Glucose and Psychosocial Outcomes 12 Months Following Transition from Multiple Daily Injections to Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes and Suboptimal Glycemia.

Objective: To investigate 12-month glycemic and psychosocial changes following transition from multiple daily injections (MDI) to advanced hybrid closed-loop (AHCL) therapy in youth (aged 13-25 years) with type 1 diabetes and suboptimal glycemia (glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] ≥8.5% [69 mmol/mol]). Research Design and Methods: Prospective, single arm, dual-center study in 20 participants. Extension phase outcomes reported after 12 months, including HbA1c, time in glycemic ranges, AHCL system performance, and psychosocial questionnaires assessing quality of life, diabetes treatment, and sleep. Results: After 12 months, 19 out of 20 participants continued to use AHCL. Average time-in-range 70-180 mg/dL (3.9-10.0 mmol/L) improved from 27.6% ± 13.2% to 62.5% ± 11.4%. This translated to an average 2.5 percentage-point (27.1 mmol/mol) improvement in HbA1c from 10.5% ± 2.1% (91.2 mmol/mol) at baseline to 8.0% ± 0.9% (64.1 mmol/mol) at 12 months. Psychosocial questionnaires and very high HbA1c at study entry indicated significant diabetes-associated burden for both individuals and parents. After 12 months, improvements were observed in general and diabetes-specific health-related quality of life, as well as in diabetes treatment satisfaction. Safety data were reassuring with a diabetic ketoacidosis rate of 0.15 per participant-year after 12 months of AHCL (compared to 0.25 per participant-year in the 12 months before the study). Conclusions: After 12 months of AHCL usage, this study highlights the potential for substantial and sustained glycemic and psychosocial improvements among individuals experiencing considerable diabetes burden and suboptimal glycemia, following their switch from MDI to AHCL.

Virtual reality's impact on children with type 1 diabetes: a proof-of-concept randomized cross-over trial on anxiety, pain, adherence, and glycemic control.

AIMS:  Assess the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) technology, in reducing pain and anxiety, and improving adherence and glycemic control among children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). METHODS: Children with T1D, managed with continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pumps, were recruited for a randomized cross-over trial. Children were randomized to one of two interventions for diabetes management: group 1 used VR glasses first and group 2 listened to vocal-guided affective imagery first (audio). After 1 month, the interventions were crossed over. The outcome measures included pain and anxiety assessment, adherence, glycemic control, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of VR satisfaction and effectiveness. RESULTS:  Forty children, mean age 11.4 ± 1.8 years, were participated. During the VR part, the monthly mean pain score compared to the baseline improved in both groups by 30% (p = 0.03). A 14% reduction in the state anxiety score was observed from baseline to 1 month in both groups (p = 0.009). Glycemic control measures including time in range, time above range, and glucose management indicator improved in both groups during VR part (p < 0.004 for all), compared to audio part. After one month, the patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) of satisfaction and effectiveness was sixfold higher after 1 month in group 1 compared to group 2 (p = 0.002). Adherence improved for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: VR was shown to be effective in reducing pain and anxiety, improving adherence, PROM, and glycemic control among children with T1D. We suggest incorporating VR technology in pediatric diabetes clinics to facilitate and improve coping and management of diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration number and date of registration for prospectively registered trials:ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05883267, May 10th, 2023.

The psychosocial burdens of living with diabetes.

AIM: To better understand the prevalence of self-reported psychosocial burdens and the unmet needs identified by people with diabetes in relation to routine diabetes visits. METHODS: An English language, online survey was distributed via social media, key stakeholder networks, charity and advocacy groups to adults with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes. Survey items were designed by members of the FDA RESCUE Collaborative Community Governing Committee prior to pilot testing with potential participants. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted, as well as thematic analyses on free-text responses using NVivo v14. RESULTS: Four hundred and seventy-eight participants completed the survey: 373 (78%) had type 1 diabetes, 346 (73%) identified as a woman and 433 (91%) were white. Most participants had experienced self-reported (rather than diagnosed) anxiety and depression (n = 323 and n = 313, respectively), as well as fear of low blood sugars (n = 294), low mood (n = 290) and diabetes-related distress (n = 257). Sixty-eight percent reported that diabetes had negatively affected self-esteem, 62% reported the feelings of loneliness, but 93% reported that friends/family/work colleagues were supportive when needed. Two hundred and seventy-two percent (57%) reported that their diabetes team had never raised the topic of mental health. The overwhelming majority stated that the best thing their diabetes team could do to help was to simply ask about mental well-being, listen with empathy and without judgement, and practice skills to understand psychosocial issues in diabetes. CONCLUSION: Integrating psychosocial discussions and support within routine healthcare visits is crucial to improve outcomes for people with diabetes. Such a biopsychosocial model of healthcare has long been advocated by regulatory bodies.

Testing 3 Digital Health Platforms to Improve Mental Health Outcomes in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: A Pilot Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim in this study was to examine the potential impact of a 3-pronged digital health pilot intervention (TRIFECTA) on diabetes distress and depressive symptoms among adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in British Columbia. METHODS: We recruited 60 adults with T1D (mean age 38.9±15.1 years, 75% female, 77% Caucasian) who participated in the 6-month pilot intervention involving 3 digital health platforms: monthly, provider-led, group-based sessions over Zoom (virtual huddles); a WhatsApp peer texting group; and a web-based "Ask-the-expert" portal. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 6 months and measured diabetes distress (T1D Diabetes Distress Scale), depressive symptoms (9-item Personal Health Questionnaire), and TRIFECTA engagement metrics. RESULTS: Participation in TRIFECTA was associated with significant reductions in Overall Distress (p=0.011) and 4 distress subscales: Powerlessness (p=0.006), Management Distress (p=0.001), Hypoglycemia Distress (p=0.029), and Eating Distress (p<0.001). A higher number of virtual huddles attended predicted lower Overall Distress (p=0.019) and Family/Friends Distress (p=0.023). A higher number of "Ask-the-expert" posts viewed predicted lower Overall Distress (p=0.046), whereas a higher number of WhatsApp messages posted predicted lower Management Distress (p=0.006). Furthermore, engagement in all 3 metrics was a predictor for lower Negative Social Perceptions Distress (p<0.05). No associations were seen in other distress subscales or for depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in TRIFECTA was linked to reduced diabetes distress levels, but not depressive symptoms, in a platform-dependent manner. This study provides promising pilot data for a subsequent large-scale and fully powered randomized controlled trial.