Coping strategies for managing diabetes distress in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study on use and perceived usefulness.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify the use of coping strategies employed by adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to manage diabetes distress, using data provided by persons with lived experiences.

Methods: Adults with diabetes completed an anonymous online survey on Diabetes.co.uk, describing their coping strategies. A follow-up survey assessed the frequency of use and perceived usefulness of these strategies. Statistical analyses, including Mann-Whitney U tests, compared strategy use and usefulness between participants with low vs. high diabetes distress.

Results: 625 adults with T1D or T2D completed the survey (mean age 56.3 years; 58.9% were female). Problem-focused strategies, "Taking care of my diabetes" and "Eating healthy," were most frequently used and perceived as useful. Emotion-focused strategies such as "Expressing my emotions (crying or being angry)" were less used and perceived less useful. Participants with low vs. diabetes distress showed differences in strategy use.

Conclusions: Adults with T1D and T2D use various coping strategies for diabetes distress, with problem-focused coping being more common and found useful than emotion-focused coping. Providing individuals with a list of effective coping strategies can enhance their awareness and adoption of new strategies. Integrating personalized coping strategies into interventions can better support diabetes management.