Quality of life in young adults with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Introduction

Challenges of young adulthood with type 1 diabetes (T1D) include transitioning to adult care, increased T1D self-management responsibilities, and normal developmental transitions. Recognizing patterns of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) across a demographically and clinically broad range of young adults with T1D may help identify who needs additional support as they transfer to adult healthcare. We hypothesized that young adults from specific demographic and clinical groups would report lower HRQOL.

Methods

At baseline of a behavioral RCT (≤2 months after last pediatric T1D clinic visit), 100 young adults (M_age=19.9 ± 1.3, M_A1c=8.8 ± 2.0 %) self-reported demographics and HRQOL; A1c was analyzed via point of care or dried blood spot. ANOVAs and t-tests were used to compare HRQOL by demographic (gender, race/ethnicity, insurance, school enrollment) and clinical variables (device use, A1c).

Results

Diabetes-specific HRQOL differed significantly by gender and school enrollment; females and young adults enrolled in school reported higher HRQOL. There were no significant differences in HRQOL across race/ethnicity, insurance type, and diabetes technology use.

Conclusion

Monitoring HRQOL may be helpful to identify diabetes-specific psychosocial needs during the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare. Patterns suggest males and those not in school may benefit from additional support.