Objective: Little data exists regarding the emerging population of adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) at a younger age. This study was conducted to gain insight related to diabetes distress and self-efficacy among adults diagnosed with T2DM between 18-40 years of age.Research Design and Methods: : Individuals diagnosed with T2DM between 18-40 years of age (n = 118) completed an online survey in either English or Spanish. The survey included two validated scales to understand levels of diabetes distress and self-efficacy. Independent samples t-tests were conducted to examine differences among gender, while Pearson correlation coefficients were conducted to examine the relationships of current age, age of diagnosis, duration of diabetes, HbA1c values, and insulin use with multiple domains of diabetes distress and self-efficacy.Results: Both regimen-related distress and interpersonal distress were reported at levels worthy of clinical attention. Overall diabetes-related distress, emotional-burden, and physician-related distress were slightly below the level of clinical significance. Bivariate analysis suggests strong positive relationships between HbA1c values and each domain of diabetes distress. Additionally, negative correlations were found between insulin use and overall diabetes distress, emotional-burden, physician-related distress, regimen-related distress, and interpersonal distress. Conclusions:Findings suggest adults diagnosed with T2DM at a younger age experience levels of diabetes distress worthy of clinical attention, particularly regarding regimen-related and interpersonal distress. T2DM programs should include psychosocial education and communication strategies for improving social support to enhance overall quality of life for this population.
Objective: The clinical transition from pediatric to adult diabetes care is often challenging for both young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the health care providers (HCPs) who care for this population. This study presents insights into the perceptions and needs of both patients with diabetes and HCPs during the clinical transition.Research Design and Method: Two separate surveys were administered with questions specifically tailored to each audience. Perceptions of the transition phase for both patients with T1D and HCPs were analyzed for general trends and then compared to investigate similarities and differences between patient and provider needs.Results: Both patients and HCPs expressed concerns regarding poor patient-provider communication during transition and the barriers to independently managing diabetes self-care responsibilities (e.g. navigating insurance, ordering supplies, arranging healthcare appointments). Although 45% of HCPs reported screening transition age patients for mental health issues related to diabetes, only 9% of patients stated their provider offered this opportunity. Furthermore, patients reported facing a variety of challenges not discussed with their HCP including: sexual issues (28%), depression or anxiety (17%), and eating disorders (11%). Conclusions:Training in the assessment of young adult T1D needs and effective communication techniques may assist HCPs in working more effectively with young adults. Offering mental health screenings for transition age patients may open the conversation to discuss diabetes concerns such as depression, sexual challenges, and eating disorders not currently being addressed. Both patients and providers desired improved communication with more emphasis on independently managing diabetes responsibilities and adjusting to new life situations.
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