Conscientiousness and Glycemic Control in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes: The Mediating Role of Technology

OBJECTIVE: Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) requires insulin administration, adjusting doses depending on multiple lifestyle factors. Studies show that personality traits influence glycemic management in patients with T1DM. The evidence regarding the relationship between conscientiousness, a personality trait associated with self-discipline, remains limited. The objective of this study was to investigate this relationship in children and adolescents with T1DM. METHODS: One hundred eighteen children and adolescents diagnosed with T1DM (42.4% girls, mean age 15.79 ± 1.98 years) were recruited for this study. Conscientiousness was measured using a 13-item shortened version of the Big Five Questionnaire. Glycemic management was evaluated with data obtained from intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM). RESULTS: Higher levels of conscientiousness are associated with a better glycemic management and a greater adherence to isCGM usage in our study. Besides, greater adherence to isCGM correlates with a better glycemic management. We found a model where constant adherence to isCGM across the study period mediates the relationship between conscientiousness and glycemic management. CONCLUSION: Our results highlight the importance of assessing personality traits and integrating this information into the therapeutic education of adolescents with T1DM to improve their glycemic management.