Diabetes-Related Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Adolescents and Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: A Pilot Study

Background

Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) may adversely affect glycemic control. Yet no studies have focused on trauma and PTSS induced by diabetes-related events in adolescents and young adults (AYA) with type 1 diabetes.

Objective

This study explores PTSS arising from diabetes-related events (e.g., severe symptoms or emergency room visits due to complications) among AYA with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

In this cross-sectional pilot study, self-reported measures (Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale for DSM-5, Child Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale 5) were employed to assess trauma experiences and PTSS in AYA with type 1 diabetes at a pediatric diabetes clinic within a large hospital/academic medical center.

Results

Fifty AYA with type 1 diabetes completed questionnaires assessing trauma and PTSS. Of the sample, 82% (n = 41) reported experiencing at least one form of general trauma (e.g., physical abuse, witnessing violence, or serious injuries). Among those who reported trauma, 22% (n = 9) indicated that the most distressing event was specifically diabetes-related. Over a quarter of participants exhibited clinically relevant levels of PTSS related to diabetes events. Females assigned at birth and those with a higher frequency of emergency room visits due to diabetes had an elevated risk of developing clinically relevant levels of diabetes-related PTSS.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that diabetes itself can serve as a traumatic stressor for some individuals. Therefore, interventions should be designed to prevent or mitigate PTSS starting from the time of diagnosis.