Social, Emotional, and Cognitive Challenges and Depressive Symptoms in Emerging Young Adults with Youth-Onset Type 2 Diabetes

Authors

• SL Cantor
• SB Glaros
• IN Kacker
• NA Macheret
• GP Thota
• N Malandrino
• L Mabundo
• M Monaghan
• M Lightbourne
• ST Chung

Abstract

Introduction: Emerging young adults (YA) with youth-onset type 2 diabetes (Y-T2D) and prediabetes may have unique needs, but there is minimal data on daily challenges and mood.
Objective: We assessed mood and diabetes-related challenges in YA in a multi-disciplinary diabetes transition clinic.
Methods: Emerging YA <25y with diabetes and obesity (87% Y-T2D completed the Endocrine Society “Self-assessment of Worries, Concerns, and Burdens Related to Diabetes and Transitioning” questionnaire (yes/ no) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) (higher score associated with more depressive symptoms). Participants were characterized into two groups: no or minimal symptoms (PHQ-9 score: 0-4) and mild or greater depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score: ≥5). Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the odds ratio (OR), calculated by the response to the Self-assessment questionnaire (outcome) by group (exposure).
Results: In 46 YA (20.0±1.8y mean±SD, 59% female, 74% Black, BMI: 38.6±8.4 kg/m2, hemoglobin A1c: 7.6±2.9%), the average PHQ-9 scores were 5.9±6.5. 48% reported mild or greater depressive symptoms, and 15% reported suicidal ideation. Mild or greater depressive symptoms were associated with higher odds of challenges in executive organization (5.8, 1.3–25.4, OR, 95% CI), management of school and work responsibilities (4.8, 1.1–21.3), and sustained attention in school and work settings (15, 3.3–67.6).
Conclusion: YA with Y-T2D, who reported mild or greater depressive symptoms, reported greater difficulty with daily tasks related to planning and organization. Routine screening for depressive symptoms and daily challenges could help to identify individuals who may benefit from programs targeting executive functioning.

Scientific Focus Area: Social and Behavioral Sciences

This page was last updated on Tuesday, August 6, 2024