A Profile of Self-Care Behaviors in Emerging Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Objective To evaluate diabetes self-care behaviors, metabolic control, and associated demographic and medical correlates in an understudied sample of emerging adults with type 1 diabetes. Methods Participants included 49 individuals (65% female) aged 18–26 years recruited from two major metropolitan areas and staff from a diabetes summer camp. Participants completed two diabetes interviews to assess daily self-care behaviors and self-report measures of psychosocial adjustment and demographic/medical characteristics. Metabolic control was assessed via HbA1c. Results Most participants (82%) utilized three or more daily insulin injections or an insulin pump. Self-care behaviors varied widely with an average of 2.56 daily blood glucose checks and 3.78 meals/snacks per day. Forty-one percent of participants engaged in daily exercise; just over half were active for 30 minutes or more. Across recall interviews, only 8% (n = 4) met American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommendations for both blood glucose monitoring (BGM) and daily physical activity. Average metabolic control was 8.25% with 81% of HbA1c values above 7.0%. Psychosocial adjustment was within normal limits and unrelated to self-care. Conclusions Daily diabetes care could be improved within this age group, as a significant percentage did not meet minimal ADA recommendations for disease care and metabolic control. Increased BGM and physical activity is recommended, and BGM should correspond to insulin regimen as well as meal and exercise habits. Emerging adults may benefit from targeted education, training, and behavioral support to enhance self-care behaviors during this critical period.

Patient Perspectives on Peer Mentoring

“…37,38 Like emerging adults without chronic conditions, emerging adults with T1D are also vulnerable to depression, low self-esteem, and eating disorders; however, these psychological and developmental issues could lead to more severe, longer-term adverse health effects and complications related to T1D. 37–39 Thus, in addition to desirable mentor qualities such as great communication skills, non-judgmental attitudes, ease around younger peers, compassion and empathy, it is important to consider YA’s adherence and glycemic control when selecting YA mentors to pair with adolescent mentees. Our data suggest that many YAs have poorer self-care and glycemic control than adolescents.…”

Transitioning Through College With Diabetes: Themes Found in Online Forums

“…Researchers and practitioners have expressed concerns that although diabetes management tends to improve after adolescence, most emerging adults display poorer control than recommended. 4,21 Youth with diabetes frequently report working to live a typical life and not wanting to be identified or limited by their condition. 11,22 Posts we gathered generally described working to meet blood sugar management needs while dealing with logistic and psychosocial realities of an environment where issues such as irregular schedules, inconsistent diet, and college lifestyle can challenge health management needs.…”

Data-Driven Diabetes Education Guided by a Personalized Report for Patients on Insulin Pump Therapy

“…Self-reporting by means of surveys or interviews is one of the most widely used methods for evaluating SMBs and has been used in previous studies to understand SMBs for patients with T1DM. [5][6][7] Assessing SMBs using self-reported data collected by means of surveys or interviews is simple and easy, and can provide useful information about SMBs. However, retrospective self-reporting can be subject to recall error and social desirability.…”