Effects of diabetes-related distress on diabetes follow-up in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Authors : Basak Ceren Arslan, Emine Demet Akbaş, Asena Ünal, Seda Bozduman Çelebi, Orkun Tolunay

Pages : 972-982

Doi:10.17826/cumj.1720329

View : 158 | Download : 335

Publication Date : 2025-12-22

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :urpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of diabetes-related distress (DRD) on diabetes management in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) followed in the Pediatric Endocrinology outpatient clinic. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study at Adana City Training and Research Hospital (February 2021–February 2022) of consecutive adolescents with T1DM (N=124). DRD was measured with the clinician-administered Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS-17); participants were classified as Group 1 (mean item score <2; little/no distress) or Group 2 (≥2; clinically significant distress). Primary outcomes were HbA1c, number of hospitalizations, and regular SMBG (study-defined operational cutoff: ≥4 capillary checks/day). Results: Among 124 adolescents with T1DM, 27 (21.8%) were in Group 1 and 97 (78.2%) in Group 2. Compared with Group 1, Group 2 had higher mean HbA1c (8.51±1.17% vs 9.22±1.72%), more hospitalizations (1.15±0.95 vs 2.04±1.40) and less regular SMBG (63.0% vs 39.2%). In continuous analyses, HbA1c correlated positively with the DDS-17 total score and with the Emotional Burden, Regimen-Related Distress and Interpersonal Distress subscales. Conclusion: Clinically significant DRD is common in adolescents with T1DM and is associated with higher average HbA1c, greater hospitalization burden and less regular self-monitoring of blood glucose. These findings support routine DRD screening alongside targeted psychosocial interventions that address emotional burden and day-to-day regimen demands.
Keywords : Diyabete Bağlı Stres, Adölesan, HbA1c, Diyabet Stres Ölçeği (DDS-17), Tip 1 Diabetes Mellitus

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