Diabetes distress, depression, and future glycemic control among adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Abstract Objectives Increased diabetes distress and depression in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are associated with poor glycemic control but it is not known whether they predict future glycemic control. Methods Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Problem Areas in Diabetes–Teen version (PAID-T) scores were given to 275 adolescents (age 13–17 years) with T1D. Robust rank order multivariate regression analysis was used to assess how age, duration of diabetes diagnosis, HbA1C at screen, PHQ-9 score, PAID-T screen, and insurance status predicted HbA1C at 1, 2, and 3 years after, and the changes in HbA1C over time. Results HbA1c and changes in HbA1c after one year were related to baseline HbA1c. At 2 and 3 years HbA1c was related to the initial HbA1C [β: 0.64 (95 % CI 0.53–0.75) and β: 0.47 (95 % CI 0.33–0.61), respectively], and to PHQ9 at screening [β: 0.07 (95 % CI 0.01–0.14) and β: 0.11 (95% CI 0.03–0.18), respectively]. Relationships were also demonstrated between PHQ9 and changes HbA1c after 2 and 3 years [β: 0.07 (95% CI 0.01–0.14) and β: 0.11 (95 % CI 0.03–0.18), respectively]. PAID-T score was not related to future glycemic control or changes in glycemic control at any time. Insurance status (private 1, public 2) also predicted future glycemic control and changes in HbA1C at 1, 2, and 3 years too. Conclusions Higher PHQ9 scores and public insurance predict worsening glycemic control over 3 years in adolescents with T1D while increased diabetes distress does not.