Challenges and Considerations for Reducing Diabetes Distress and Fear of Hypoglycemia in Parents of Youth With Type 1 Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes management can be challenging for children and their families. To address psychosocial concerns for parents of youth with type 1 diabetes, we developed two parent-focused interventions to reduce their diabetes distress and fear of hypoglycemia. Our team conducted several of these interventions during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and recognized a need to make timely adjustments to our interventions. In this viewpoint article, we describe our experience conducting these manualized treatment groups during the pandemic, the range of challenges and concerns specific to COVID-19 that parents expressed, and how we adjusted our approach to better address parents’ treatment needs.

Дистрес При Цукровому Діабеті

“…Певні, хоча і недостатні, дослідження в цьому напрямку вже проведені, зокрема з дітьми, хворими на ЦД1, та їх батьками [44]. Проведене в Медичному центрі Лейденського університету (Leiden University Medical Center, Нідерланди) під час карантину, пов'язаного з пандемією COVID-19, обстеження 280 хворих на ЦД1 та 155 хворих на ЦД2 встановило збільшення в них рівня стресу та тривоги [45].…”

Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes Management: A Qualitative Study

“…3 For parents, managing their child’s T1DM is often associated with high reported levels of stress and anxiety. 4 The COVID-19 pandemic may have amplified these stressors due to COVID-19-related job loss and financial concerns, 5 , 6 the child being at higher risk of a severe COVID-19 infection, 7 and the added burden of managing their child’s diabetes in light of new responsibilities associated with the pandemic. 5 , 6 …”

“…A recent article reported that parents rely on the structured school schedule to facilitate adherence to their child’s T1DM management regimen, and therefore, unstructured time away from school during the pandemic may also adversely impact children’s glycemic control. 5 …”

“…3 For parents, managing their child's T1DM is often associated with high reported levels of stress and anxiety. 4 The COVID-19 pandemic may have amplified these stressors due to COVID-19-related job loss and financial concerns, 5,6 the child being at higher risk of a severe COVID-19 infection, 7 and the added burden of managing their child's diabetes in light of new responsibilities associated with the pandemic. 5,6 In addition, these restrictions may also challenge adherence to key aspects of diabetes management, such as participating in physical activity due to cancellation of organized sports and school closures.…”

“…4 The COVID-19 pandemic may have amplified these stressors due to COVID-19-related job loss and financial concerns, 5,6 the child being at higher risk of a severe COVID-19 infection, 7 and the added burden of managing their child's diabetes in light of new responsibilities associated with the pandemic. 5,6 In addition, these restrictions may also challenge adherence to key aspects of diabetes management, such as participating in physical activity due to cancellation of organized sports and school closures. Furthermore, children with diabetes may be unable to attend activities that help to support their diabetes management (eg, diabetes camp) and mitigate psychosocial challenges associated with a T1DM diagnosis (eg, support groups).…”