OBJECTIVETo update and validate a diabetes-specific screening tool for disordered eating (the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey [DEPS]) in contemporary youth with type 1 diabetes.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSA total of 112 youth with type 1 diabetes, ages 13–19 years, completed the DEPS. Higher scores on the DEPS indicate more disordered eating behaviors. Youth and their parents also completed additional surveys to examine diabetes-specific family conflict, negative affect related to blood glucose monitoring, youth quality of life, and diabetes burden. Clinicians provided data on height, weight, A1C, and insulin dosing. The DEPS was revised into a shorter, updated measure and validated.RESULTSThe revised 16-item DEPS (DEPS-R) displayed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.86). Construct validity was demonstrated by positive correlations with zBMI (P = 0.01), A1C (P = 0.001), diabetes-specific family conflict (P < 0.005), youth negative affect around blood glucose monitoring (P = 0.001), parental diabetes-specific burden (P = 0.0005), and negative correlations with frequency of blood glucose monitoring (P = 0.03) and quality of life (P ≤ 0.002). External validity was confirmed against clinician report of insulin restriction.CONCLUSIONSThe DEPS-R is a 16-item diabetes-specific self-report measure of disordered eating that can be completed in <10 min. It demonstrated excellent internal consistency, construct validity, and external validity in this contemporary sample of youth with type 1 diabetes. Future studies should focus on using the DEPS-R to identify high-risk populations for prevention of and early intervention for disordered eating behaviors.

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Aims In a pediatric patients, the burden of diabetes lies within the family. In the current era of intensive insulin therapy, perceived parental burden may affect the family’s efforts at effective diabetes management. The aims of this study were to re-examine and revise a measure of perceived parental burden associated with caring for a child with diabetes in the current era. Methods A geographically diverse population of young people (N = 376) with Type 1 diabetes and their parents included participants in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation continuous glucose monitoring study and patients from the Joslin Diabetes Center. Participants provided data on demographics, diabetes management, diabetes-specific family conflict, and quality of life at baseline and after 6 months of follow-up. Results Young people were 12.9 ± 2.7 years old with diabetes duration of 6.3 ± 3.5 years. Mean HbA1C was 8.0 ± 1.2%(64 mmol/mol), 58% received insulin pump therapy, and young people monitored blood glucose 5.2 ± 2.3 times/day. Factor analysis yielded two factors, ‘Immediate Burden’ and ’Theoretical Burden’. The Problem Areas in Diabetes Survey – Parent Revised version (PAID-PR) demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.87; factor 1 α = 0.78; factor 2 α = 0.83). Greater parental burden was associated with more frequent blood glucose monitoring, higher HbA1C levels, greater diabetes-specific family conflict, and lower quality of life. Test-retest analysis was acceptable (r = 0.62). Conclusions The PAID-PR demonstrated excellent internal consistency, good test-retest reliability, and associations with diabetes-specific family conflict and quality of life. This brief measure may have both clinical and research utility in the management of young people with Type 1 diabetes.

Aims Young adulthood is a challenging period for patients with Type 1 diabetes as developmental changes complicate Type 1 diabetes management and gaps in care may arise as patients transition from paediatric to adult providers. This period has been associated with worsening diabetes outcomes. One approach to aid young adults during this transition period could entail professionally led support groups to enhance self-motivation and facilitate peer-to-peer interactions. We implemented and evaluated a support group for young adults with Type 1 diabetes as a pilot project. Methods Young adults with Type 1 diabetes (18–30 years) participated in monthly, professionally led support groups for 5 months. Questionnaires were completed pre- and post-group and chart review data were collected regarding glycaemic control and visit frequency in the year before and after group participation. Results Participation in the group was associated with improvement in HbA1c and decreased self-reported diabetes burden, along with a trend for an increase in diabetes-related self-care behaviours. Frequency of visits did not vary from pre- to post-group. Discussion topics identified by participants included managing diabetes in day-to-day life, experiences and interactions with others who do not have diabetes and emotions related to diabetes. Participants identified that they sought a diabetes care team that offers knowledge, support and a multidisciplinary team. Conclusions Professionally led support groups may have utility for increasing social support and optimizing diabetes outcomes in young adults with Type 1 diabetes.

Emerging adults with type 1 diabetes are at risk for poor glycemic control, gaps in medical care, and adverse health outcomes. With the increasing incidence in type 1 diabetes in the pediatric population, there will be an increase in the numbers of teens and young adults transferring their care from pediatric providers to adult diabetes services in the future. In recent years, the topic of transitioning pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes to adult diabetes care has been discussed at length in the literature and there have been many observational studies. However, there are few interventional studies and, to date, no randomized clinical trials. This paper discusses the rationale for studying this important area. We review both observational and interventional literature over the past several years, with a focus on new research. In addition, important areas for future research are outlined.

Developmentally-tailored diabetes self-care education and support are integral parts of contemporary multidisciplinary T1D care. The patient with T1D must have the support of the family and the diabetes team to maintain the rigors of diabetes management, but the specific roles of patients and families with regard to daily diabetes tasks change considerably throughout the developmental span of early childhood, middle childhood/school-age years, and adolescence. This review provides a framework of key normative developmental issues for each of these developmental stages. Within this context, ideal family diabetes management is reviewed within each developmental stage and anticipated challenges that can arise during these stages and that can adversely impact diabetes management are presented. This paper also summarizes empiric evidence for specific intervention and care strategies to support optimal diabetes management across these stages in order to maximize opportunities for a successful transfer of diabetes management tasks from parents to maturing youth. Finally, the review provides an emphasis on approaches to promote family teamwork and adolescent diabetes self-care adherence as well as opportunities to use novel technology platforms as a means to support optimal diabetes management.

At present, more than 60% of American women of childbearing age are either overweight or obese. As the obesity epidemic in the United States and many other countries continues to grow unchecked, there is greater interest in the relationship between obesity and other major health issues. This paper reviews the literature on the relationship between obesity and pregnancy. We begin with a discussion of the relationship between excess body weight and fertility and then turn to the relationship between maternal body weight and pregnancy-related complications. The role of pregnancy as a possible risk factor for the development of obesity is noted. The studies investigating the efficacy of behavioral interventions to control excessive weight gain during pregnancy or help women lose weight after childbirth are then reviewed. The paper concludes with an agenda for future research examining the relationship between obesity and pregnancy.

The Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised delivered more specific information than generic screening instruments and identified more young people with eating disorders than did clinician report, especially regarding the detection of boys at risk. The results of this study support the utility of the German version of the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised to identify eating disorders in young people with Type 1 diabetes at an early stage. (German Clinical Trials Registry no.: DRKS00004699).