ESPE Abstracts (2016) 86 P-P2-311

aInstitute of Endocrinology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; bDepartment of Endocrinology, Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno Klinikos, Kaunas, Lithuania; cPediatric Endocrine and Diabetes Unit, Department of Child and Adolescent, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; dDiabetes Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland


Background: Age and gender are important factors in adjustment and psychological well-being in patients with chronic physical illness.

Objective and hypotheses: To determine whether diabetes distress varies by age and/or gender in type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients.

Method: Diabetes distress was compared in 255 adolescents and 283 young adults with T1D using Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale.

Results: High diabetes distress level was found in 22.8% of participants. Lack of confidence in self-care (6.8±5.6 vs 4.8±5.3, P=0.001), negative emotional consequences (11.5±9.3 vs 8.8±9.4, P=0.003), overall score (22.9±17.9 vs 17.0±17.7, P=0.001) were higher in adult than in adolescent males. There was a trend towards higher prevalence of negative emotional consequences in adult compared to adolescent females (14.2±11.0 vs 11.5±8.8, P=0.052). Lack of confidence in self-care (6.8±5.3 vs 4.8±5.3, P<0.001), negative emotional consequences (11.5±8.8 vs 8.8±9.4, P=0.001), overall score (22.9±16.9 vs 17.0±17.7, P<0.001) were higher in adolescent females compared to males. Negative emotional consequences score was higher in adult females compared to males (14.2±11.0 vs 11.5±9.3, P=0.041).

Conclusion: In conclusion, our findings add to evidence suggesting the importance of addressing diabetes distress in clinical care and the necessity of wider picture beyond the physical manifestation of diabetes to be taken into consideration.

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