Executive Functioning, Daily Self-Regulation, and Diabetes Management while Transitioning into Emerging Adulthood.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) requires daily self-regulation (e.g., remembering to check blood glucose; regulating emotions, thoughts, and behaviors when diabetes problems arise). These processes draw on executive function (EF) abilities, which may be challenged after high school, when youth experience many life transitions while managing diabetes more independently from parents. The study examined how EF is associated with daily diabetes management as youth transition out of high school. Seniors in high school with T1D completed measures of EF and two 14-day daily diaries, one in the senior year and one the following year. Each evening, participants completed an online survey reporting on self-regulation failures (e.g., forgetting to test blood glucose), diabetes problems, and diabetes management over the past 24 hr. Those with better self-reported EF had lower self-regulation failures and fewer diabetes problems on average. On days with lower self-regulation failures, participants had fewer diabetes problems. On days with fewer diabetes problems, participants reported lower negative emotions, higher confidence in diabetes management, and better self-care behaviors and blood glucose levels. These daily associations occurred regardless of EF. Providing youth with training in self-regulation to prevent daily diabetes problems may promote T1D management during this high-risk transition.