What are the factors that influence biomedical health outcomes of young adults with Type 1 Diabetes? An observational, cross-sectional approach Seminar

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Background: Young adults with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) have been identified as a ‘forgotten group’ whose needs fall between that of paediatric and adult medical care, and a transient group who have to negotiate new tasks as they take on new responsibilities. However, there is evidence that patients’ cognitions (thoughts about illness) and emotional reactions combine to form what can be described as ´illness perceptions´ that drives behaviour. Aims: To explore how illness perceptions, clinical and significant life events influence glycaemic control in young adults living with T1D. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional approach (N = 70) using a self-report questionnaire pack; Brief Illness Perceptions Questionnaire, Diabetes Psychological Adjustment Scale, Body Shape Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment, and an additional questionnaire looking at clinical and significant life events. Results: A hierarchical logistic regression model found that Illness perceptions of personal control and understanding were the best fit for predicting glycaemic control (Multiple R = .75.3) and accounting for 49.4% of the difference in the groups (p = .002). BSQ-8B scores demonstrated a that a more negative perception of one’s own body shape is related to worse glycaemic control in women. The PHQ-8 also demonstrated that higher levels of depression is related to worse glycaemic control. Discussion: An interplay of understanding and personal control could have a significant affect on glycaemic control along with negative body image (in women) and higher levels of depression . Where conventional methods of glycaemic control are less effective in this group, the findings suggest that targeted and specific psychological support could improve glycaemic control.